Furniture and building structures comprising sensors for determining the position of one or more objects

ABSTRACT

A system, device and method for determining the position of objects comprising one or more furniture items and/or building structures having one or more sensors and a controller coupled to the sensors. The sensors detect when one or more objects having at least one sensor tag are positioned proximate one of the sensors and transmit a signal to the controller including an identifier of the object and the sensor that detected the objects. As a result, the controller is able to track the position of the objects in relation to the furniture and/or building structures preventing the items from being lost and increasing efficiency when looking for misplaced objects.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/878,876, filed Sep. 9, 2010 and entitled “AN INTELLIGENTGAME SYSTEM INCLUDING INTELLIGENT FOLDABLE THREE-DIMENSIONAL TERRAIN,”which is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/476,888, filed Jun. 2, 2009 and entitled “AN INTELLIGENT GAME SYSTEMFOR PUTTING INTELLIGENCE INTO BOARD AND TABLETOP GAMES INCLUDINGMINIATURES,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/130,878, filed Jun. 3, 2008 and entitled“PUTTING INTELLIGENCE INTO MINIATURES GAMES,” now expired, all of whichare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of furniture and/or buildingstructures comprising position sensors. More specifically, the presentinvention relates to furniture and/or building structures comprisingposition sensors for determining the position of objects proximate thefurniture and/or building structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, laboratories, schools and other working environments ofteninclude a multitude of students/workers that utilize a multitude ofdifferent kinds of work objects such as microscopes, beakers, staplers,tape dispensers, pens, pencils and other objects necessary to performwork functions. Over a period of time, these work objects inevitably aremoved throughout the work environment away from their storage locationand into sometimes unexpected and hard to find locations. This resultsin delays when a needed work object cannot be found, work objects beingultimately lost such that they need to be replaced and work objectsbeing unnecessarily duplicated because they are thought to be lost whenthey are merely misplaced in the unexpected locations. All this leads toincreased cost and decreased efficiency of the working environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system, device and method for determining the position of objects isdescribed herein. The system, device and method comprising one or morefurniture items and/or building structures having one or more sensorsand a controller coupled to the sensors. The sensors detect when one ormore objects having at least one sensor tag are positioned proximate oneof the sensors and transmit a signal to the controller including anidentifier of the object and the sensor that detected the objects. As aresult, the controller is able to track the position of the objects inrelation to the furniture items and/or building structures preventingthe items from being lost and increasing efficiency when looking formisplaced objects.

One aspect of the present application is directed to a system fordetermining the location of objects. The system comprises one or morestructures having one or more sensors, one or more objects having one ormore sensor tags and one or more controllers coupled to the sensors forreceiving signals from the sensors when the objects are proximate thesensors such that the controllers are able to determine the location ofthe objects. In some embodiments, the structures comprise one or more ofthe group consisting of a table, a desk, a bench, a drawer, a chair, ashelf, a countertop, a floor, a ceiling and a wall. In some embodiments,the sensors are RFID sensors and the sensor tags are RFID sensor tags.In some embodiments, the sensors are positioned in a grid formation. Insome embodiments, the sensors are embedded within the structures. Insome embodiments, the sensors are positioned such that the sensors are apart of a portion of the structure that is substantially parallel to theground. In some embodiments, the sensors are positioned such that thesensors are a part of a portion of the structure that is substantiallyperpendicular to the ground. Alternatively, the sensors are positionedon a surface of the structure. In some embodiments, the sensors arereleasably coupled to the structure. In some embodiments, each structurecomprises at least one of the controllers. In some embodiments, aplurality of the structures share at least one of the controllers suchthat the shared controller receives signals from the sensors on theplurality of the structures. The system further comprises a userinterface device coupled to one or more of the controllers such that theuser interface device allows a user to observe the determined positionof one or more of the objects. In some embodiments, the user interfacecomprises a search module for searching for a target object of theobjects and displaying the determined position of the target object tothe user. In some embodiments, the user interface comprise a warningmodule that warns the user if one of the objects is detected in anundesired location. In some embodiments, the warning module warns theuser if one of the objects is detected in a location proximate toanother one of the objects. In some embodiments, the warning modulewarns the user if one of the objects is no longer detected at alocation. In some embodiments, each of the sensor tags of the objectscomprise a unique identifier that is used by the controller to identifywhich of the objects a particular sensor is sensing. In someembodiments, the user interface is incorporated into one or more of thecontrollers. In some embodiments, the controller comprises a storagemodule that stores the determined locations of one or more of theobjects in a memory device coupled with the controller. In someembodiments, the determined locations are stored as entries in adatabase, wherein each of the entries comprise one of the determinedlocations, the unique identifier of the object detected at the one ofthe determined locations, and a time at which the object was detected atthe one of the determined locations such that a user is able to access ahistory of the movement of the objects.

A second aspect of the present application is directed to a structurefor determining the position of objects. The structure comprises a bodyhaving one or more platforms such that the body is able to support oneor more objects having one or more sensor tags and one or more sensorscoupled with the body such that the sensors are able to sense theobjects via the sensor tags when the objects are proximate one or moreof the sensors. The structure further comprises one or more controllerscoupled to the sensors for receiving signals from the sensors when theobjects are proximate the sensors such that the controllers are able todetermine the location of the objects. In some embodiments, the bodycomprises one or more of the group consisting of a table, a desk, abench, a drawer, a chair, a shelf, a countertop, a floor, a ceiling anda wall. In some embodiments, the sensors are RFID sensors and the sensortags are RFID sensor tags. In some embodiments, the sensors arepositioned in a grid formation on each platform. In some embodiments,the sensors are embedded within the platforms. Alternatively, thesensors are positioned on a surface of the platforms. In someembodiments, the sensors are releasably coupled to the platforms. Insome embodiments, the structure shares at least one of the controllerswith an additional structure such that the shared controller receivessignals from the sensors on both the structure and the additionalstructure. The structure further comprises a user interface devicecoupled to one or more of the controllers such that the user interfacedevice allows a user to observe the determined position of one or moreof the objects. In some embodiments, the user interface comprises asearch module for searching for a target object of the objects anddisplaying the determined position of the target object to the user. Insome embodiments, the user interface comprise a warning module thatwarns the user if one of the objects is detected in an undesiredlocation. In some embodiments, the warning module warns the user if oneof the objects is detected in a location proximate to another one of theobjects. In some embodiments, the warning module warns the user if oneof the objects is no longer detected at a location. In some embodiments,the user interface is incorporated into one or more of the controllers.In some embodiments, each of the sensor tags of the objects comprise aunique identifier that is used by the controller to identify which ofthe objects a particular sensor is sensing. In some embodiments, thecontroller comprises a storage module that stores the determinedlocations of one or more of the objects in a memory device coupled withthe controller. In some embodiments, the determined locations are storedas entries in a database, wherein each of the entries comprise one ofthe determined locations, the unique identifier of the object detectedat the one of the determined locations, and a time at which the objectwas detected at the one of the determined locations such that a user isable to access a history of the movement of the objects.

Another aspect of the present application is directed to a method ofdetermining the position objects. The method comprises placing one ormore objects having one or more sensor tags on or around one or morestructures, wherein the one or more structures comprise one or moresensors, reading data stored on the sensor tags with the sensors whenthe objects are moved proximate to at least one of the sensors,transmitting the data stored on the sensory tags to one or morecontrollers coupled to the sensors such that the controllers are able todetermine the location of the objects and presenting the determinedlocation of one or more of the objects to a user on a user interface. Insome embodiments, the structures comprise one or more of the groupconsisting of a table, a desk, a bench, a drawer, a chair, a shelf, acountertop, a floor, a ceiling and a wall. In some embodiments, thesensors are RFID sensors and the sensor tags are RFID sensor tags. Insome embodiments, the sensors are positioned in a grid formation. Insome embodiments, the sensors are embedded within the structures. Insome embodiments, the sensors are positioned such that the sensors are apart of a portion of the structure that is substantially parallel to theground. In some embodiments, the sensors are positioned such that thesensors are a part of a portion of the structure that is substantiallyperpendicular to the ground. In some embodiments, the sensors arepositioned on a surface of the structure. In such embodiments, themethod further comprises releasably coupling the sensors to thestructure. In some embodiments, each structure comprises at least one ofthe controllers. In some embodiments, a plurality of the structuresshare at least one of the controllers such that the shared controllerreceives signals from the sensors on the plurality of the structures. Insome embodiments, the user interface is coupled to one or more of thecontrollers. In some embodiments, the user interface comprises a searchmodule for searching for a target object of the objects and displayingthe determined position of the target object to the user. In someembodiments, the user interface comprise a warning module that warns theuser if one of the objects is detected in an undesired location. In someembodiments, the warning module warns the user if one of the objects isdetected in a location proximate to another one of the objects. In someembodiments, the warning module warns the user if one of the objects isno longer detected at a location. In some embodiments, the data of thesensor tags comprises a unique identifier that is used by the controllerto identify which of the objects a sensor is sensing. In someembodiments, the user interface is incorporated into one or more of thecontrollers. In some embodiments, the controller comprises a storagemodule that stores the determined locations of one or more of theobjects in a memory device coupled with the controller. In someembodiments, the determined locations are stored as entries in adatabase, wherein each of the entries comprise one of the determinedlocations, the unique identifier of the object detected at the one ofthe determined locations, and a time at which the object was detected atthe one of the determined locations such that a user is able to access ahistory of the movement of the objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a diagram of an intelligent game system for puttingintelligence into board and tabletop games including miniaturesaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 1B illustrates a diagram of an intelligent game system for puttingintelligence into board and tabletop games including miniaturesaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 1C illustrates a diagram of an intelligent game system for puttingintelligence into board and tabletop games including miniaturesaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 1D illustrates a diagram of an intelligent game system for puttingintelligence into board and tabletop games including miniaturesaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 1E illustrates a diagram of an intelligent game system for puttingintelligence into board and tabletop games including miniaturesaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 1F illustrates a diagram of an intelligent game system for puttingintelligence into board and tabletop games including miniaturesaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 1G illustrates a diagram of an intelligent game system for puttingintelligence into board and tabletop games including miniaturesaccording to some embodiments, configured for use in amusement or arcadeenvironments.

FIG. 2A illustrates a diagram of a RFID reader as a sensor in the one ormore sensors according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2B illustrates a diagram of an object containing an active RFID tagaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 2C illustrates a diagram of an existing game piece mounted on anobject containing an RFID tag according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2D illustrates an active RFID reader and electrical contactsaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 2E illustrates an object with an RFID tag and electrical contactsaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 2F illustrates an existing game piece mounted on an objectcontaining an RFID tag with electrical supply contacts to the objectaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 2G illustrates an object containing an active RFID reader andHall-effect sensors with electrical supply contacts according to someembodiments.

FIG. 2H illustrates a sensor with an optical detector, electrical supplycontacts and communication contacts according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2I illustrates an object with electrical contacts and communicationcontacts according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flexible version of the one or more sensorsaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a process to update a changing image in response tochanges in an object's location based on object information obtainedfrom the sensors.

FIG. 5 illustrates a process to associate object information with aportion of an image using one or more sensors.

FIG. 6A illustrates a game piece character.

FIG. 6B illustrates an intelligent game piece object according to someembodiments.

FIG. 6C illustrates a rotating base for a powered intelligent game pieceobject according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7A illustrates a memory map of nonvolatile memory within anintelligence game piece object for a combat game.

FIGS. 7B and 7C illustrate a memory map of nonvolatile memory within anintelligent game piece object for a chess game.

FIGS. 7D and 7E illustrate a memory map of nonvolatile memory within anintelligent game piece object for a Monopoly® game.

FIG. 8A illustrates a method of initializing an intelligent game systemwhen starting a new game.

FIG. 8B illustrates a method of initializing an intelligent game systemwhen resuming a game in progress using a computer readable media.

FIG. 8C illustrates a method of initializing an intelligent game systemutilizing intelligent game piece object information stored within theintelligent game piece objects.

FIG. 8D illustrates an overview method of gameplay of a generic gameaccording to some embodiments.

FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of a foldable three-dimensional terrainpiece in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9B illustrates a perspective view of a partially folded foldablethree-dimensional terrain piece in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9C illustrates a perspective view of a fully folded foldablethree-dimensional terrain piece in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9D illustrates a perspective view of a pre-formed three-dimensionalterrain piece in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of an intelligent foldablethree-dimensional terrain piece in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of a foldable three-dimensionalterrain piece in use with a game board and a game piece in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of two foldable three-dimensionalterrain pieces in use with a game board and a game piece in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart of detecting a game piece on a foldablethree-dimensional terrain piece in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a multi-dimensional game system in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 15A illustrates a top perspective view of a block element inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 15B illustrates a bottom perspective view of a block element inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 16 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of block elementscoupled together in use with a game board and game piece in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 17 illustrates a representation of a virtual component inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates a representation of a global virtual component inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 19 illustrates a flow chart of playing the multi-dimensional gamein accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 20 illustrates a flow chart of playing the multi-dimensional gamein accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 21 illustrates a board game with dynamic characteristic trackingsystem in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 22 illustrates a flow chart of playing a board game with dynamiccharacteristic tracking in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 23 illustrates an object tracking and identification system inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 24 illustrates furniture item and building structure in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 25 illustrates a flow chart of determining the position andidentification of objects with furniture items and/or buildingstructures in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A device, system and method of furniture and/or building structures withobject location determination capabilities is described herein. Theobject tracking system comprises one or more furniture items and/orbuilding structures such as the floor having one or more sensors and acontroller coupled to the sensors. The sensors detect when one or moreobjects having at least one sensor tag are positioned proximate one ofthe sensors and transmit a signal to the controller including anidentifier of the object and the sensor that detected the objects. As aresult, the controller is able to track and/or determine the position ofthe objects in relation to the furniture and/or building structuresthereby preventing the items from being lost as well as increasingefficiency when looking for misplaced objects. For example, in a scienceclassroom setting students have a tendency to not return the instrumentsused for the day to their proper storage area. Using the object trackingsystem described herein, the likelihood of any of these instrumentsbeing lost or misplaced is greatly reduced. As another example, in alaboratory setting at a workplace, a beaker containing a chemical maypresent a danger if moved near another beaker, heating instrument, orsimply an unsafe location. In such a case, the object tracking system isable to provide a warning when such a situation arises therebydecreasing the risk of an accident happening. As a result, the systemprovides numerous benefits in multiple settings by providing a low costtracking and/or position determination system. The description belowbegins with a discussion of how the sensors and controller are able totrack and/or determine the location of objects in a board game setting.The subsequent portion of the description then describes the applicationof this tracking and/or position determination device, system and methodto furniture items (e.g. tables and desks) and/or building structures(e.g. ceilings, floors and walls) in a laboratory, classroom or othersetting.

Intelligent Game System

A system for putting intelligence into board and tabletop gamesincluding miniatures comprises one or more sensors to read objectinformation from a game object. The object information comprises aunique identifier specific to the game object and one or morecharacteristic values associated with the unique identifier. In someembodiments, each sensor has an address. In some embodiments, thesensors are identified by names, or time slots, or are mapped to inputports of a controller. Interface electronics receive the objectinformation from each sensor, a controller receives the objectinformation and the sensor address for each sensor, and associates theobject information with the sensor address. In some embodiments, thecontroller associates the object information with a portion of an image.A computer readable media is programmed with instructions forimplementing a game, and is read by the controller. The system furthercomprises a projector which receives image information from thecontroller, and projects the image information. The controller processesthe object information to update a changing image, and to transmit imageinformation to the projector. In some embodiments, the system furthercomprises a game object having object information. In some embodiments,the system further comprises speakers, and a removable computer readablemedia. The removable computer readable media is able to be anyappropriate memory device, such as a flash memory stick, SIMM memorycard, a compact disk, a magnetic disk, digital video disk, or a gamecartridge.

FIG. 1A illustrates a system for putting intelligence into board andtabletop games including miniatures 100 comprising a game board 120, oneor more sensors 125, a display device 99, an input/output (I/O) device98, interface electronics 115, a controller 110, a computer readablemedia 111, a removable computer readable media 117, a projector 130,speakers 112, 113, and 114, interconnection cables 160 and 170,intelligent game piece objects 140 and 142, and a virtual game pieceobject 144 according to some embodiments. As the embodiment isexplained, below, it will be clear to one skilled in the art that anynumber and type of intelligent game piece objects are able to be used,depending upon such variables as the actual game being played and thenumber of game players.

The game board 120 comprises one or more sensors such as sensor 125. Insome embodiments, each sensor 125 comprises a single type of sensor. Insome embodiments, each sensor 125 comprises a plurality of differentsensor types. Although all of the illustrations, FIG. 1A through 1F,show the sensors 125 of the game board 120 organized as a rectangulararray of sensors 125, the sensors 125 are able to be arranged in anyphysical arrangement. The identifier of each sensor 125 is decodedwithin the interface electronics 115. Each sensor corresponds to aportion of an image to be projected by the projector 130. The interfaceelectronics 115 are coupled to the controller 110 via the sensorinterface cable 160. The interface electronics 115 create a high levelinterface between the sensors 125 and the controller 110. The interfaceelectronics 115 manage the sensors 125 such that any object informationrelated to the intelligent game piece objects, 140 and 142, sensed by asensor 125, is transmitted to the controller 110 via the sensorinterface cable 160. In some embodiments, the sensor interconnect cable160 is an industry-standard USB cable utilizing communications messageswhich conform to any of the applicable standards such as USB 1.1, 2.0 orthe emerging USB 3.0.

In some embodiments, the controller 110 is any commercially availablepersonal computer. In some embodiments, the controller 110 is able to beany combination of a single board computer, a personal computer, anetworked computer, a server, a cell phone, a personal digitalassistant, a gaming console, a portable electronic entertainment deviceor a portable electronic gaming device. The controller 110 contains acomputer readable media 111 programmed with instructions to respond tochanges in the object information of an object 140, sensed by a sensor125. In some embodiments, game state and/or game event information isable to be transferred to intelligent game piece objects 600 such thatthe controller 110 is able to adjust the object information based on thegame state and/or game event information. One skilled in the art willrecognize that programmed instructions comprise a software applicationwhich contains the logic, game rules, scoring, sound, graphics, andother attributes of game play for playing an interactive game withintelligence as disclosed herein. The application software processes theobject information received from the interface electronics 115 andtransmits image information of a changing image to the projector 130. Insome embodiments, the intelligent game piece objects 600 transmit theirobject information to the controller 110 via a wireless router 150 ordirectly to the controller 110 equipped with a wireless interface 116.

In some embodiments, the projector 130 projects an image onto the entiresurface area of the game board 120. In some embodiments, the projector130 projects an image representing an object 140, along with other gameimages, onto any surface. In some embodiments, the projector furtherprojects an image of one or more virtual game piece objects 144. In someembodiments, the projector 130 projects the image onto a portion of thesurface area of the game board 120. In some embodiments, the projector130 is a DLP® (Texas Instruments) projector. In other embodiments, theprojector 130 is any projection device capable of receiving imageinformation and projecting an image onto the surface area of the gameboard 120, such as any of the commercially available LCD projectors. Theapplication software further provides sound via the speakers 112, 113,and 114 which are coupled to the controller 110. As described furtherbelow, in some embodiments the controller 110 is able to communicatedirectly, or indirectly, with the intelligent game piece objects 600 viaan interface to implement the functionality within the intelligent gamepiece objects 600. In some embodiments, game state and/or game eventinformation is able to be stored on the removable computer readablemedia 117 or on the computer readable media 111 within the controller110, thereby enabling resumption of a game in progress at a later dateon the same intelligent game system or on a different intelligent gamesystem. In some embodiments, as described below with reference to FIG.21, the storage of the game state and/or game event information alsoenables the adjusting of object information on the game objects 140 baseon the information. One skilled in the art would recognize that suchgame state and/or game event information is able to be conveyed to otherintelligent game systems 100 by, for example, transfer via the internet,through email, or by uncoupling and transporting the controller 110 toanother location for coupling to another intelligent game system 100. Inthe case of powered intelligent game piece objects 600, game stateinformation may further be stored within and transferred from thepowered intelligent game piece objects 600.

FIG. 1B illustrates a diagram of a system for putting intelligence intoboard and tabletop games including miniatures supporting remote play ofan intelligent game system according to some embodiments. A networkaccess device 128, such as a cable modem or DSL modem, is operablycoupled to the controller 110 and to a network 129. Remote player gamepieces are able to appear as virtual game piece objects 144, projectedonto the surface area of the game board 120.

FIG. 1C illustrates a diagram of a system for putting intelligence intoboard and tabletop games including miniatures supporting wirelessinterconnection of system elements according to some embodiments. Thegame board 120 with interface electronics 115 further comprises awireless adapter 127. The speakers 112, 113, and 114 further comprisewireless adapters 107, 108 and 109 respectively. The controller 110further comprises a wireless adapter 116 for receiving objectinformation from the sensors 125. Alternatively, the game object 140further comprise a wireless adapter (not shown) such that the gameobjects 140 area able to directly transmit their object information tothe controller 110 and the controller 110 is able to directly adjust theobject information based on any game state and/or game eventinformation. The wireless adapter 116 also enables the controller 110 totransmit image information of a changing image to the projector 130having a wireless adapter 135. Each wireless adapter 107, 108, 109, 116,127, and 135 is further able to communicate via a wireless router 150.In some embodiments, the controller 110 is able to transmit soundinformation to speakers 112 through 114 via one or more wirelessadapters.

FIG. 1D illustrates a diagram of a system for putting intelligence intoboard and tabletop games including miniatures wherein the controller andthe interface electronics are merged onto a single controller 118according to some embodiments. The single controller 118 is able to bephysically integrated with the game board 120 or is able to bephysically separate from the game board 120. The interface controller118 is able to further comprise a removable computer readable media 117such as a SWIM card or a USB memory stick, game cartridge, magneticdisk, digital video disk, compact disk or other portable removablemedia. In these embodiments, the interface controller 118 receivesobject information from the sensors 125 or directly from the game object140 via interface electronics integrated with the controller 118. Thegame application software is able to be resident on the computerreadable media 111 within the controller 118, or on a removable computerreadable media 117. The game application software processes the objectinformation received and transmits the image information of a changingimage to the projector 130.

FIG. 1E illustrates a diagram of a system for putting intelligence intoboard and tabletop games including miniatures comprising one or moreswitches or buttons 190 according to some embodiments. The switches orbuttons 190 are able to include dedicated functionality, such as a“Start” or “Reset” button, and switches or buttons 190 are further ableto include programmable functionality such as programmable function keysF1 through F4. One skilled in the art will recognize that the switchesor buttons are able to be implemented in a variety of technologies suchas mechanical switches, capacitive switches, membrane switches, and thelike. The switches or buttons 190 are able to be physically a part ofthe structure of the game board 120 or the switches or buttons 190 areable to be a separate physical structure from the game board 120. Theswitches or buttons 190 are interfaced to the interface electronics 115and received by the controller 110 via the sensors interface cable 160.

FIG. 1F illustrates a diagram of a system for putting intelligence intoboard and tabletop games including miniatures comprising one or moretouch screens 185 according to some embodiments. Touch screens 185 areable to be physically a part of the structure of the game board 120 or aseparate physical structure from the game board 120. The controller 110transmits information to a touch screen 185, and receives informationfrom a touch screen 185, via the electronics interface 115.

FIG. 1G illustrates a diagram of a system for putting intelligence intoboard and tabletop games including miniatures comprising a paymentsystem 195 according to some embodiments. FIG. 1G is exemplary of anarcade or amusement configuration. Payment system 195 comprises amagnetic swipe card slot, a cash reader/scanner, token accepting slotsand a return button. One skilled in the art will recognize that anycombination of the listed payment methods may be available commerciallyas an add-on module to the intelligent game system. Additional switchesor buttons 190 are able to be used to check login credentials by loggingon to a remote system to enable payment by an account or withmicro-cash. Touch screen 185 may be used to display login keystrokes. Inaddition, touch screen 185 is able to be used as a login input deviceinstead of additional switches or buttons 190. In some embodiments,system components are coupled via wireless communications devices 135(projector), 150 (router) and 127 (sensors and controller). Wirelessrouter 150 is able to be further coupled to a DSL or cable modem 128 andfurther coupled to a network 129, such as the Internet, enablingelectronic payment features and remote game play.

FIG. 2A illustrates a sensor 125 according to some embodiments. Thesensor comprises a RFID reader 210 with associated antenna. In someembodiments, low voltage electrical power is available within thesensors 125. FIG. 2B illustrates an object 220 according to someembodiments comprising an inexpensive, commercially available RFID tag225 wherein the tag is passive. In some embodiments, the RFID tag 225 isan active tag, and optional battery 227 is included in the object 220.In some embodiments, an active RFID tag comprises, for example, anAtmel® Asset Identification EEPROM part number AT24RF08C. The Atmel parthas 1K bytes of on-board EEPROM, a nonvolatile memory, with which tostore object information in addition to the RFID tag. FIG. 2Cillustrates affixing the object 220 to an existing game piece miniature230 to create an intelligent game piece object 235. The object 220 islightweight, and thus any readily available adhesive, such as Elmer'sGlue™, two-sided tape, rubber cement, model glue, or epoxy, will serveto affix the object 220 to the existing game piece miniature 230. Itwill be clear to one of skill in the art that the RFID tag is also ableto be mechanically coupled to the existing game piece. In someembodiments, the object 220 is able to be affixed to the game board suchthat the game board becomes an intelligent game object 140 with an RFIDtag 225 storing object information. Alternatively, an object 220 is ableto be affixed to terrain 900 as shown in FIG. 9A, game blocks 1500 asshown in FIG. 15A, and/or other objects such that the objects becomeintelligent objects with RFID tags 225 storing object information.

FIG. 2D illustrates a sensor with a power supply 265 according to someembodiments. A sensor with a power supply 265 comprises a RFID reader210 and positive and negative electrical contacts 260 and 262. Accordingto some embodiments, FIG. 2E illustrates a powered object 250 comprisingeither a passive or active RFID tag 225, and hemispherically shapedelectrical contact plates 255 and 257. The exact shape of the electricalcontact plates 255 and 257 is able to vary, so long as the electricalcontact plate shape accommodates a substantial variability inorientation of the powered object 250 placed on the powered sensor 265electrical contacts 260 and 262. FIG. 2F illustrates affixing thepowered object 250 to an existing game piece miniature 230 to create apowered intelligent game piece object 270 according to some embodiments.The powered object 250 is lightweight, and thus any readily availableadhesive will serve to affix the powered object 250 to the existing gamepiece miniature 230. Also, similar to the unpowered object 220, thepowered object 250 is able to be affixed to a game board, terrain 900,game blocks 1500 and/or other objects.

FIG. 2G illustrates one or more sensors according to some embodiments.The sensors comprise one or more sensors of a first type and one or moresensors of a second type. The functionality of the sensors of the firsttype and the sensors the second type are able to differ. In someembodiments, sensors of the first type are sensors which detect at leastthe presence of an object, such as a Hall-effect sensor, anopto-detector, a mechanical switch such as a pogo-pin, or an electricalcontact such as making or breaking a circuit. Sensors of the second typeare, for example, RFID readers, or bar code scanners. Embodiments ofthis type use the sensors of the first type to detect the presence of anintelligent game piece object and use the sensors of the second type toobtain object information. In some embodiments, one or more sensorscomprise a sensor of the first type for each location for whichdetection of an object's presence is desired, and subsequently applypower to the powered intelligent game piece object to enable transfer ofits object information to a single sensor of the second type. Sensors ofthe second type include RF transceivers, wireless 802G receivers, pulsedinfra-red light receptors and serial communications modules.

FIG. 2H illustrates a diagram of a sensor according to some embodiments.An optical powered sensor 280 comprises electrical contacts 260 and 262,communications contacts 282 and 284, and an opto-detector 286. Theopto-detector 286 is a sensor of the first type, as described above. Theopto-detector 286 detects the presence of a powered object 290 byocclusion of light when a powered object 290 is placed on a sensor 280.Power is then applied to the powered object 250 via the electricalcontacts 260 and 262. On “wake-up” of the processor or controller 610 onthe intelligent game piece object 600, or by polling by the interfaceelectronics 115 or by the controller 110, the processor or controller610 (FIGS. 6B and 6C) drives a message onto the communication pin 292thereby transmitting object information to a sensor of the second type.In some embodiments, a sensor of the second type is able to be a singleserial communications circuit. FIG. 2I illustrates a diagram of apowered intelligent game piece object 290 according to some embodiments.The powered object 290 is able to be used with sensors of two types asdescribed above. One skilled in the art would recognize that a widevariety of sensors of the second type (communication) are contemplated.Further, one skilled in the art would recognize that a wide variety ofsensors of the first type (presence) are also contemplated.

In the board game description which follows, the term “sensor” willrefer to a sensor 125 or powered sensor 265, 280 or 285, unless adistinction is noted. The term “object” will refer to an object 220 or apowered object 250 or 290 unless a distinction is noted. The term“intelligent game piece object” will refer to an intelligent game pieceobject 235 or powered intelligent game piece object 270, unless adistinction is noted.

FIG. 3 illustrates one or more sensors according to some embodiments.The sensors are able to be encased in a flexible, portable structureenabling the sensors to be conveniently rolled up for easytransportation. In some embodiments, an AC power adapter 180 supplieslow voltage power to the sensors and to the interface electronics 115.In other embodiments, a battery or power storage system is used toprovide power to the sensors and to the interface electronics 115. Thesensor interface cable 160 couples the interface electronics 115 to thecontroller 110.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method of updating a changing image andtransmitting the image to a projector 130 according to some embodiments,using sensors of only one type. It will be recognized by one skilled inthe art, that the method described below is able to be implementedwithin the controller 110, the interface electronics 115, or thecombined interface electronics and controller 118. At step 410, thesensor to be read is set to the first sensor. In some embodiments, thesensor to be read is determined by a sensor address. In someembodiments, the sensor to be read is determined by other identificationmethods, such as a name, time slot, or mapping of the sensor to an inputport of the controller. Object information is read from the sensor atstep 420. The object information is then transmitted to the interfaceelectronics or controller at step 430. At step 440, if there are moresensors to read, then the method branches to step 480 to set the sensorto be read to the next sensor, then the method continues at step 420. Ifthere are no more sensors to read at step 440, then the applicationsoftware processes the object information at step 430, and updates theimage at step 460. The controller then transmits the image to theprojector at step 470. The core game features of an intelligent gamesystem are performed in the application software. Such features includeproducing graphics and sound, scoring points for game play, adjustingthe object information characteristic values and executing the game inaccordance with the game rules.

FIG. 5 illustrates a method of obtaining object information usingsensors of two types according to some embodiments. At step 510, amemory to store the state of sensors of the first type is initialized toindicate that “no object” is present at each sensor. At step 520, thesensor to be read is set to the first sensor of the first type. Thesensor is read at step 530. If the sensor state has changed at step 540,if an object is detected at the sensor of the first type in step 550,then the object at the sensor initiates transmission of its objectinformation to a sensor of the second type at step 560. The receiverassociates the object information with a portion of an image. If noobject is at the sensor, then any object information stored for thesensor is deleted at step 570. At step 580, a check is made as towhether there are more sensors. If there are more sensors to check, thesensor to be read is set to the next sensor of the first type, and thesensor is read at step 530. If there are no more sensors to read at step580, the method continues at step 520 where the sensor to be read is setto the first sensor of the first type.

Intelligent Game Piece Object

FIG. 6A illustrates an external view of an intelligent game piece object600. FIG. 6B illustrates internal elements of an intelligent game pieceobject in accordance with some embodiments. Internal elements of anintelligent game piece object 600 comprise a processor or controller610. In some embodiments, the intelligent game piece object 600 furthercomprises one or more of a nonvolatile memory 615, a transceiver 620, anaudio processor 630, audio distribution equipment 632 and 635, a lightemitting source 640, one or more light transmitters 641, 643, 645 and647, and light diffusers 642, 644, 646 and 648. An intelligent gamepiece object 600 is able to further comprise an opto-detector 670. Insome embodiments, the intelligent game piece object 600 furthercomprises power source contacts 650 and 652. In some embodiments, allcomponents inside the intelligent game piece which require a powersource are electrically coupled to the power source contacts 650 and652. In other embodiments, one or more components of the intelligentgame piece object 600 which require a power source are electricallycoupled to a battery 655. The processor or controller 610 implements theintelligence of the intelligent game piece object 600. The externalfeatures of the intelligent game piece object are embodied in theexternal skin 660.

Processor/Controller

The processor or controller 610 advantageously coordinates thefunctionality in the intelligent game piece object 600. In someembodiments, the transceiver 620 is operably coupled to the processor orcontroller 610 to manage transmission and reception of messages. In someembodiments, the audio processor 630 is operably coupled to theprocessor or controller 610 so that processor or controller 610 is ableto configure the audio processor 630 and send the audio processorcontent and effects for audio processing. In some embodiments, the lightemitting source 640 is operably coupled to processor or controller 610to control the delivery of light.

In some embodiments, the processor or controller 610 comprises a memorystore for storing the executable instructions and program variablesrequired to implement the functionality of the intelligent game pieceobject 600. For example, the executable instructions and/or programvariables are able to define algorithms used by the controller 610 toadjust the characteristic values of the object information stored in thenonvolatile memory 615 of the game piece object 600 based on game eventand/or game state information.

Communications

In some embodiments, an intelligent game piece object 600 comprises aninterface 620 such as a communications transceiver. Alternatively, theinterface 620 is able to be selected from a group comprising a universalserial bus (USB) interface, a blue tooth interface, or other types ofinterfaces for remote communication as are well known in the art. Thetransceiver 620 implements communications between the intelligent gamepiece object 600 and a receiver of intelligent game piece objectinformation. In some embodiments, a corresponding transceiver is locatedwithin the sensors as a sensor of the second type. In other embodiments,the corresponding transceiver is located within the controller 110 (FIG.1C). The corresponding transceiver is also able to be a wireless router150 (FIG. 1C) such that the game piece object 600 is able to communicatewith devices such as a server over the internet or other networks. Itwill be clear to one skilled in the art that the transceiver 620 is ableto be a subsystem of the processor or controller 610, or of otherelements within the intelligent game piece object 600.

Light Feature

In some embodiments, the intelligent game piece object 600 furthercomprises a light emitting source 640. The light emitting source 640comprises, for example, a broadband light bulb, a single wavelength LEDor a multi-wavelength LED. In some embodiments, the wavelengths includeone or more non-visible wavelengths. The light emitting source 640 isoptically coupled to one or more optical transmitters 641, 643, 645, and647 to distribute light throughout the intelligent game piece object600. In some embodiments, the optical transmitters include optical fiberof material type and diameter as appropriate for the application and thewavelength transmitted. In some embodiments, the optical transmittersinclude one or more mirrors. The mirrors are able to be conventionalmirrors, precision optics, or micro-mirror arrays. In some embodiments,the one or more optical diffusers 642, 644, 646 or 648 include an opaqueor diffusive material of any type such as a polymer resin, frostedglass, or plastic. An optical diffuser is able to be a micro-mirrorarray for distributing light in a programmable manner.

In some embodiments, the processor or controller 610 selects thewavelength of a multi-wavelength light source 640, or selects from theplurality of light transmitters 641, 643, 645, or 647, determines theon/off time of the light emitting source 640, or provides a pulse trainto pulsewidth modulate the light emitting source 640. In someembodiments, the opto-detector 670 is managed by the processor orcontroller 610 to coordinate with other features of the intelligent gamepiece object 600 to implement unique game functionality. For example, anintelligent game piece object 600 with an 800 nm (non-visible) lightemitting source and an opto-detector 670 which is sensitive to 800 nmlight is able to cooperate with the processor or controller 610 torotate the intelligent game piece object 600 while emitting 800 nm lightfrom the light emitting source 640, and monitoring the opto-detector 670for reflection of 800 nm light to determine when to stop rotating theintelligent game piece object 600 such that it is facing an opponent'sintelligent game piece object.

Sound Feature

In some embodiments, an intelligent game piece object 600 comprises anaudio processor 630 which is operably coupled to an audio speaker 635.An audio speaker 635 is able to be a piezo-electric transducer, aconventional cone speaker with magnet and diaphragm, or other suitableaudio delivery equipment. Although FIG. 6B shows a single audio speaker630, located at the mouth of the character of the intelligent game pieceobject 600, additional or alternate audio configurations would becontemplated by one skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the audiospeaker 635 is located in the base, and the audio distribution equipment632 comprises a hollow tube directed to the location where the audio isto be delivered. In some embodiments, the audio distribution equipment632 comprises an electrical cable pair, distributing audio to one ormore audio speakers 635. In some embodiments, the processor orcontroller 610 generates audio within the intelligent game objectincident to the movement and optical sensing. In some embodiments, theaudio processing comprises audio effects such as echo, reverb, phaseshifting. In some embodiments, audio processing techniques areimplemented in the processor or controller 610 where the processor orcontroller 610 comprises digital signal processing functionality.

Movement Feature

FIG. 6C illustrates a rotating base for a powered intelligent game pieceobject according to some embodiments. The rotating base 680 comprises atop half of the base 681 and a bottom half of the base 682, rotatablycoupled via a pivot 686. The top half of the base 681 is driven by amotor 683 in the bottom half of the base 682. The motor has a drivinggear head or friction capstan drive 684 which drives the top half of thebase 681. The top half of the base 681 has ring gear teeth correspondingto the driving gear head, or a friction surface to mate to the frictioncapstan drive. In some embodiments, the top and bottom halves of therotating base further comprise a plurality of support bearing surfaces687. Power is supplied via the electrical contacts 650 and 652, asdescribed above.

Nonvolatile Memory

In some embodiments, an intelligent game piece object comprises anonvolatile memory 615. The nonvolatile memory 615 stores persistentobject information such as a unique identifier and associatedattribute/characteristic values such as an object name, strength, speed,special powers, score count, injury statistics, light and/or audioprocessing algorithms and other object information. In some embodiments,the unique identifier is a globally unique identifier such as a uniqueaddress or other identifying data wherein each intelligent game pieceobject is able to be distinguished from any other intelligent game pieceobject by identifying the unique identifier of the desired object. FIGS.7A through 7E illustrate partial memory maps of the object informationstored in the nonvolatile memory 615, assuming 128 registers of 16-bitseach. The memory maps and characteristic values are merely illustrative.It will be recognized by one skilled in the art that a wide variety ofmemory maps are able to be used, so long as minimum functionalityincludes a unique identifier for each intelligent game piece object.Further, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art that thenonvolatile memory is able to be a subsystem of the processor orcontroller 610, or a subsystem of another integrating circuit, such asthe audio processor 630 or transceiver 620.

Methods of Intelligent Game System Play

FIG. 8A illustrates a method of initializing game play for the start ofa new game using an intelligent game system. At step 810, allintelligent game system components are initialized. At step 812, theuser is presented with a decision whether they want to perform gamepiece setup manually, or automatically. If the user opts for automaticgame piece setup, then at step 814 the controller sends an image to theprojector to project onto the surface of the sensors, showing where theintelligent game piece objects are to be initially placed to begin gameplay. If the user opts for manual game piece setup, or followingprojection of the required game piece object locations for automaticgame piece setup, then at step 816 the player(s) place intelligent gamepiece objects on individual sensor locations within the sensors. Theplacement of intelligent game piece objects onto the surface of thesensors continues until, at step 818, it is determined that no more gamepiece objects need to be placed. At step 820, the controller obtainsintelligent game piece information from the intelligent game pieceobjects. At step 822, the intelligent game piece objects are associatedwith a player. At step 824, if another player's objects have not yetbeen placed, the process resumes at step 816, otherwise the processterminates.

FIG. 8B illustrates a method of initializing game play for theresumption of a game in progress using an intelligent game system. Atstep 830, all intelligent game system components are initialized. Atstep 832, the controller reads intelligent game piece object informationfrom a computer readable media. In some embodiments, the computerreadable media is the nonvolatile memory on the intelligent game pieceobject. At step 834, the controller sends an image to the projectorshowing required locations for intelligent game piece objects to resumea previous game in progress. At step 836, a player places intelligentgame piece objects on the sensors in the locations specified by theprojected image. At step 838, the controller verifies the placement ofintelligent game piece object(s). If it is determined at step 840 thatthere are more intelligent game piece objects to place, or that one ormore intelligent game piece objects are placed on incorrect sensor(s),then a prompt or error message is issued and the process continues atstep 836. One skilled in the art would recognize that the prompt orerror message is able to be visual, displayed on the controller on viathe projector, or audio, such as a spoken message, or any other relevantsignal generated with the intelligent game system or the intelligentgame piece objects. For example, an intelligent game piece objectcomprising a sound feature is able to direct the player to correct theintelligent game piece placement by a specific sound. An intelligentgame piece object comprising a light feature is able to direct theplayer to correct the intelligent game piece placement by a specificsequence or pattern of illumination.

FIG. 8C illustrates a method of initializing game play for resumption ofa game in progress using an intelligent game system according to someembodiments. At step 850, the intelligent game system hardware isinitialized. Player(s) place intelligent game piece objects on thesensors at step 852, on any available sensor. Players are able to chooseto place the intelligent game piece objects at, or near, where theyremember them to be from the prior session of the game in progress. But,any available sensor will do. When the placement of intelligent gamepiece objects is completed, at step 854 the intelligent game systemreads intelligent game piece object information from the intelligentgame piece objects where the information comprises the unique identifierand sensor identifier stored in the intelligent game piece object duringthe prior session of the game in progress. At step 856, the controllersends an image to the projector showing required locations for theintelligent game piece objects. At step 858, player(s) then relocateintelligent game piece objects to the locations shown by the projectedimage. The controller obtains and verifies the placement of intelligentgame piece objects at step 860. When the placement of all intelligentgame piece objects has been verified, the process terminates at step862.

FIG. 8D illustrates an overview of game play of a generic game. Thespecific game logic, scoring, movement of players and other gamespecific-features is a function of the game application software,utilizing the intelligent game system and intelligent game piece objectfunctionality. Step 899, shows the basic game engine, comprising playeraction, obtaining object information from intelligent game pieceobjects, and a game response. Starting the game at step 870, the game isinitialized. Initialization of game play in an intelligent game systemis able to be in accordance with FIGS. 8A through 8C, above. FIGS. 8Athrough 8C are illustrative of a process of game play initialization inan intelligent game system. At step 872, a player takes a player action.A player action is able to comprise the physical movement of anintelligent game piece object to another sensor in the sensors, or aplayer action is able to be an invocation of a game function orintelligent game piece object feature through any available input devicein the intelligent game system. In some embodiments, a player action isable to be the failure to take an action within a defined time period.These player actions (and/or inaction) cause game events that are uniqueto each game and affect further game play. At step 874, the controllerobtains intelligent game piece object information. At step 876, the gameapplication software produces a response to the player action. In someembodiments, as described below the response comprises the controlleradjusting the characteristic values of the object data based on the gameevents. Additionally, the response is able to include sound and/orgraphics.

At step 878, if the game is over, then the method branches to step 880,where the user is prompted whether the intelligent game system is tosave game statistical. At step 882, statistical information is saved.Such statistical game state or game event information comprisesinformation such as scoring information, location of intelligent gamepiece objects, and current dynamic information for intelligent gamepiece objects such as the adjustments to the characteristic values ofthe object information of the intelligent game piece objects caused bythe game play. In some embodiments, intelligent game piece objectdynamic information comprises such items as weapon count, currentstamina, injury statistics, accessory count and other game piecespecific information. In an intelligent game piece object comprisingnonvolatile memory, intelligent game piece-specific information is ableto be stored within the intelligent game piece object. In someembodiments, all game play and intelligent game piece information isstored on a computer readable media. The computer readable media is ableto be located within the controller, external to the controller, or isable to be a removable computer readable media. The statistical/gameevent information is also able to be transmitted via network, or byemail, to a remote destination for later use. If the game is not over,then a player is able to opt to pause the game in progress for laterplay at step 884. If the player opts to pause the game, then game stateinformation is saved at step 886, otherwise play continues at 872. Gamestate information comprises any, or all, of the information describedabove in step 882 where statistical/game event information is saved. Inaddition, if relevant, intelligent game piece object informationindicating the identifier of the sensor at which each intelligent gamepiece object is presently positioned is stored. As with statistic orstate information, the location of intelligent game piece objects isable to be stored in computer readable media in the controller, or aremovable computer readable media, within nonvolatile storage within theintelligent game piece objects, or transferred by network to a remoteserver or by email.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the players areable to use intelligent game piece objects, or virtual game pieceobjects. Virtual game piece objects are projected onto the surface ofthe sensors. Thus, a virtual player is able to be, for example, thecontroller or a live game player accessing the intelligent game systemvia a network. Further, all players are able to be virtual players, suchas for demonstrating a training mode or arcade mode where the game playsagainst itself, using virtual game piece objects to demonstrate gameplay or to attract players to the game by demonstrating its features andgame play. Since the virtual players are mere images whose location isdetermined by the controller, intelligent game piece objects and virtualgame piece objects are able to occupy the same sensor location.

Intelligent Terrain

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate foldable three-dimensional terrain 900 inaccordance with some embodiments. The terrain 900, as shown in FIG. 9A,comprises a substantially flat substrate 902, one or more folding lines904 and one or more sensors 906. Alternatively, the substrate 902 is notsubstantially flat. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C, thesubstrate 902 is configured in a rectangular shape. Alternatively, thesubstrate 902 is able to be a different shape. In some embodiments, thesubstrate 902 comprises plastic or paper. Alternatively, the substrate902 comprises a combination of plastic, paper, wood or other materialcapable of forming the structure of a stable three-dimensional shape. Insome embodiments, the foldable terrain 900 further comprises one or morefastening elements 908 for releasably fastening disconnected edges ofthe substrate 902 to each other. Alternatively, the fasteners 908 areconfigured to permanently fasten the terrain 900 together. In someembodiments, the fasteners 908 comprise extending tabs that are able tointerlock or couple to each other or the substrate 902. Alternatively,the fasteners 908 are able to comprise other fastening methods such asglue or tape as are well known in the art. In some embodiments, as shownin FIG. 9D, the terrain 900′″ is able to be a rigid mold 901 comprisingone or more sensors 906. The pre-formed terrain 900′″ being previouslymolded into the desired three-dimensional shape. The pre-formed terrain900′″ is able to comprise and combination of plastic, metal, wood, orother rigid material capable of being pre-formed. It should be notedthat one skilled in the art would understand that because the terrain900′″ is molded or pre-formed, the terrain 900′″ does not requirefolding lines 904 or fastening elements 908. Alternatively, the terrain900′″ comprises at least one folding line and/or fastening elements (notshown) allowing the terrain 900′″ to open using the folding line as ahinge and fasten closed into the three-dimensional shape using thefasteners.

The folding lines 904 are positioned on the substrate such that thesubstrate 902 is able to bend along the folding lines 904. In someembodiments, the position and dimension of the folding lines 904 ispredetermined based on the desired three-dimensional shape 910 of thethree-dimensional terrain 900. Alternatively, the folding lines 904 arepositioned and dimensioned such that the substrate 902 is able to bendinto a multitude of three-dimensional shapes. In some embodiments, thefolding lines 904 comprise a thinner or weakened portion of thesubstrate 902 that permits the substrate to more easily bend along thefolding lines 904 as shown in FIG. 9B. Alternatively, the folding lines904 comprise a flexible area of the substrate 902 that allows thesubstrate 902 to bend along the folding lines 904. Alternatively, insome embodiments, the folding lines 904 represent edges of a pluralityof discrete terrain pieces, which are able to be coupled together toform a desired three-dimensional shape. In such embodiments, thediscrete terrain pieces 900 are able to be coupled together by one ormore fasteners 908.

The sensors 906 are able to be substantially similar to the sensors 125,265, 280, 285 described above in relation to FIGS. 2A, 2D, 2G and 2H. Inparticular, the sensors 906 are configured to sense one or more gamepieces 140 when the game pieces 140 are positioned on top of one or moreof the sensors 906. Accordingly, the sensors 906 are able to detect whena game piece 140 is on top of the terrain 900 as shown in FIG. 11, orwithin the terrain 900 as shown in FIG. 12. Further, in someembodiments, the sensors 906 are able to detect when another foldablethree-dimensional terrain 900′ is positioned on top of one or more ofthe sensors 906 as shown in FIG. 12. Although FIG. 12 only illustrates asingle game piece 140 and single terrain 900′ stacked on top of anotherterrain 900, it is understood that a number of terrains are able to bestacked along with a plurality of game pieces 140 on the various levels912A, 912B, 912A′, 912B′. As a result, the terrain 900 provides theadvantage of being able to determine the position of game pieces 140and/or other terrain 900 even if the game pieces 140 are located withinthe terrain 900 and therefore occluded or blocked from the view of anoverhead camera. In some embodiments, the sensors 906 are positioned onthe substrate 902 such that at least one sensor is located at each areaon the terrain 900 where a game piece 140 could be placed duringgameplay. Alternatively, the sensors 906 are able to be positionedanywhere on the substrate 902. In some embodiments, the sensors 906 arecoupled together such that the sensors 906 are able to communicate witheach other and/or a game board 120 sensor 125. Alternatively, one ormore of the sensors 906 are isolated from the other sensors 906.

The three-dimensional shape 910 of the terrain 900 comprises one or morelevels. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9C, the three-dimensional shape910 comprises two levels: a lower level 912B and an upper level 912A.Alternatively, the three-dimensional shape 910 is able to comprise anumber of levels. In some embodiments, each level is positioned at adifferent elevation above the game board 120. Alternatively, one or moreof the levels are positioned at the same elevation above the game board120. In FIG. 9C, the lower level 912B is also an inner level as gamepieces 140 positioned on lower level 912B would be positioned within thethree-dimensional shape 910 and thus occluded from an overhead view ofthe game board 120. As described above, the sensors 906 are able tosense a game piece 140 positioned on the lower level 912B even thoughthe game piece 140 is inside the terrain 900. It is understood that thethree-dimensional shape 910 of the terrain 900 is able to have a numberof levels, shapes and sizes in order to achieve the appearance and feelof the terrain needed for the game.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the terrain 900″ comprises oneor more RFID tags 1002 and terrain object information including a uniqueterrain identifier and terrain characteristic values such that theterrain 900″ is intelligent terrain similar to the intelligent gamepiece objects 600 described above. Like the game piece objects 600, theunique terrain identifier is able to be a globally unique identifiersuch that each terrain piece 900 can be distinguished from every otherterrain piece or other type of game piece. As a result, the intelligentterrain 900″ is able to have properties/characteristics and be uniquelyidentified by the controller 110 wherein gameplay is able to be adjustedbased on the properties. For example, upon identifying the terrain 900″using the terrain object information, the controller 110 is able toadjust the gameplay according to the dimensions of the terrain 900″represented by character values in the object information of the terrain900″. Thus, a warrior game piece 140 positioned within or on anintelligent terrain piece 900″ could be registered as unseen by nearbypieces or be given a tactical bonus when fighting with other piecesbased on the position within or on the terrain 900″. In someembodiments, the terrain identifier is a unique identifier. In someembodiments, the intelligent terrain comprises an RFID tag for each ofthe sensors 906 on the terrain 900. The terrain object information isstored in a nonvolatile memory 1015 that is substantially similar to thenonvolatile memory 615 described above. The nonvolatile memory 1015stores persistent terrain object information, similar to the objectinformation illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7E, such as a unique identifier, aname, dimensions, strength, speed, special powers, light and/or audioprocessing algorithms and other object information. Again, it will berecognized by one skilled in the art that a wide variety of memory mapsare able to be used, so long as minimum functionality includes a uniqueidentifier for the intelligent terrain 900″. In some embodiments, theintelligent terrain 900″ comprises one or more of aprocessor/controller, an interface element such as a transceiver, anaudio processor, audio distribution equipment, a light emitting source,one or more light transmitters, light diffusers, an opto-detector,batteries and power source contacts. It is noted that the connectionsand operation of these one or more elements of the intelligent terrain900″ is substantially similar to the description corresponding to thesame elements within the intelligent game piece object 600 describedabove with reference to FIGS. 6A-6C and therefore is not repeated herefor the sake of brevity.

The operation of a foldable three-dimensional terrain 900 will now bediscussed in reference to the flow chart illustrated in FIG. 13. It isunderstood that the operation of the three-dimensional terrain 900 issubstantially similar to the operation of the intelligent game pieces600 described above with regard to FIGS. 8A-8D, the majority of which isnot repeated here for the sake of brevity. In operation, one or moregame pieces 140 and/or other terrain 900′ are placed on one of thelevels 912A, 912B of terrain 900 on the game board 120 at the step 1302.Each of the one or more sensors 906 detect/read terrain and/or gamepiece object information of the game pieces 140 and/or other terrain900′ positioned on top of the sensors 906 at the step 1304. The objectinformation detected along with a unique identifier of the correspondingdetecting sensor is transmitted down the terrain 900 to one or more gameboard sensors 125 positioned under the terrain 900 at the step 1306. Insome embodiments, if one or more of the terrain is intelligent terrain900″, the terrain object information is also transmitted to thecorresponding game board sensor 125. Alternatively, the terrain objectinformation is transmitted directly to the controller with a transceiveror other transmitting device. In some embodiments, if one or more of theterrains 900, 900′, 900″ are stacked, the upper terrain 900′ transmitsthe identifier and object information to the immediately lower terrain900′ until a bottom terrain 900 is reached that is able to transmit theidentifier and object information to the corresponding game board sensor125. In this manner, regardless of the height of the stack of terrain900, 900′, the identifiers and object information is able to betransmitted to the game board sensors 125 below. In a similar manner,the controller is able to adjust the characteristic values of the objectinformation of the terrain wherein the only difference is that theadjustment information is transferred in the opposite direction from thecontroller to the board sensors to the terrain pieces. The identifierand object information is transmitted from the game board sensor 125 tothe interface electronics or controller at step 1308. The applicationsoftware processes the terrain and game piece identifier and objectinformation at the step 1310. The application software updates the gameimage based on the terrain and game piece identifier and objectinformation at the step 1312. The controller transmits the image to theprojector at the step 1314. As a result, the gameplay and image are ableto be adjusted based on the object information received by the terrain900, 900′. The core game features of an intelligent game system areperformed in the application software. Such features include producinggraphics and sound, scoring points for game play, and executing the gamein accordance with the game rules. In some embodiments, executing thegame includes adjusting the characteristic values of the objectinformation of the terrain 900, 900′ based on game state/game eventinformation with the controller.

In operation, a system for putting intelligence into board and tabletopgames including miniatures comprises a game play surface includingsensors capable of identifying the location and unique identity of gamepieces and terrain pieces on the game play surface. Additionally, theterrain pieces include sensors that are also capable of identifying thelocation and unique identity of game pieces and/or other terrain pieceson and/or within the surface of the terrain pieces. The terrain piecesare able to transfer this location and unique identity to a sensorpositioned beneath them whether that sensor is a part of another terrainpiece or the game board. Each sensor in the game play surfacecorresponds to a portion of an image to be displayed by an overheadprojector onto the game play surface. The image to be displayed isadjusted based on the sensed position of the game and/or terrain pieces.Interface electronics coupled to the game play surface read the sensorsof the game play surface including information transferred to the gameplay surface by the terrain pieces. Each sensor reading comprises anidentifier of the sensor and at least an identifier of a game pieceand/or terrain piece on the sensor, if a piece is present on the sensor.For each sensor in the game play surface, the interface electronics passthe sensor identifier and the identifier of any game and/or terrainpiece on the sensor, to the controller. The controller comprises acomputer readable media programmed with a game application software. Thegame application software receives the sensor identifier, game pieceidentifier and/or terrain piece identifier for each sensor and utilizesthe information to maintain scoring of the game and provide enhancedgame play features including adjusting the characteristic values of thegame piece and/or terrain piece object information based on the gamestate/game event information.

The controller further comprises an interface for transmitting the gameplay image to an overhead projector such as a DLP® or LCD projector. Insome embodiments, the interface of the controller is able to transmitgame state, game event and/or object information to a remote storagedevice such as a central server. The controller further comprises aninterface for transmitting sound to a sound system or speakers connectedto the controller. Enhanced game play features include graphicsprojected onto the game play surface and sounds transmitted to the soundsystem or speakers to enhance the game playing experience. Game logicincludes scoring, enabled by the controller's awareness of the locationand identification of game pieces on the game play surface. Informationgathered from the sensors comprising game state information or game playstatistics, game event information and game piece information are ableto be stored to a computer readable media within the controller, thegame or terrain pieces, one or more servers, or a removable computerreadable media, to enable users to resume a game in progress at a latertime or on a different system and to maintain statistics of game playand statistics for individual game pieces.

Multi-Dimensional Game System

FIG. 14 illustrates a high level diagram of a multi-dimensional game andgame system 1400 in accordance with some embodiments. Themulti-dimensional game system 1400 is able to be substantially similarto the Intelligent Game System 100 described above except for thedifferences described herein. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, themulti-dimensional game system 1400 comprises a virtual component 1402and a physical component 1404 in communication with each other over anetwork 1406. In some embodiments, the network 1406 is a wirelessnetwork comprising one or more nodes (not shown). Alternatively, thenetwork is a wired network or any combination of a wired network and awireless network. The physical component 1404 and the virtual component1402 are able to communicate with each other through the network 1406.In some embodiments, one or more additional physical components 1404′are in communication with the network 1406 such that the additionalphysical components 1404′ are also in communication with the virtualcomponent 1402. The additional physical components 1404′ couple to thenetwork 1406 at different nodes of the network 1406 (not shown). Forexample, two or more players in different geographical locations arestill able to play the game 1400 together by each having the requiredphysical components 1404, 1404′ and coupling to the network 1406 andthereby the virtual component 1402 at the closest node within thenetwork 1406 to their location. Alternatively, at least one of theadditional physical components 1404′ coupled to the network 1406 at thesame node as the physical component 1404. In some embodiments, one ormore additional virtual components 1402′ are also in communication withthe network 1406 such that the additional physical components 1404′ arein communication with corresponding additional virtual components 1402′.For example, when multiple users are playing individual games 1400 overthe same network. Alternatively, each physical component 1404, 1404′ isable to communicate with every virtual component 1402, 1402′. Forexample, if a user from one location wishes to join another user's gamethe user is able to connect to the other user's virtual component 1402′.Also for example, a user from one location is able to invite anotheruser to join their game such that the other user is able to connect tothe user's virtual component 1402. In some embodiments, the virtualcomponents 1402, 1402′ are associated with each other such that togetherthe virtual components 1402, 1402′ form a seamless global virtualcomponent 1408. For example, although users are able to establishindividual virtual components 1402, 1402′, the components are allincorporated in order to form a single global virtual component 1408that is able to be accessible to all the users.

Physical Components

In some embodiments, each physical component 1404, 1404′ comprises theone or more sensors 125 coupled together as a part of a game board 120as shown in FIGS. 1A-G. Also in some embodiments, one or more of thephysical components 1404, 1404′ further comprise one or more of thedisplay device 99, the input/output (I/O) device 98, the interfaceelectronics 115, a controller 110 having a processor (not shown),computer readable media 111, removable computer readable media 117, aprojector 130, speakers 112, 113, and 114, interconnection cables 160and 170, intelligent games piece objects 140 and 142, virtual game pieceobjects 144, and terrain 900 as shown in FIGS. 1A-G, 9A-9C, 11 and 12.Moreover, in some embodiments, one or more of the physical components1404, 1404′ further comprise one or more block elements 1500 as shown inFIGS. 15A and 15B. In some embodiments, the display device 99 comprisesa computer monitor. Alternatively, the display devices are able tocomprise any combination of a television, computer monitor, cell phone,or other device capable of displaying video. In some embodiments, theI/O device 98 is able to comprise any combination of keyboards,microphones, cameras, mouses, monitors, displays, printers, modems,touchscreens, button interfaces and other devices. The display devices99 are able to be in communication with the controller 110 and the I/Odevice 98 in order to receive video signals from the controller 110 tobe displayed and to transmit user control signals received from the I/Odevice 98 to the controller 110 for processing by the processor. Oneskilled in the art will understand that the physical components 1404,1404′ are able to comprise any number of the above elements, dependingupon such variables as the actual game being played and the number ofgame players. One skilled in the art will also recognize that one ormore of the physical components 1404, 1404′ are able to be incorporatedinto a single device.

FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate a block element 1500 in accordance withsome embodiments. The block element 1500 comprises a block body 1502,one or more coupling elements 1504A, 1504B and one or more sensors 1506.In some embodiments, the block elements 1500 comprise plastic.Alternatively, the block elements 1500 are able to comprise anycombination of plastic, cardboard, paper, metal, glass, wood, or othermaterial capable of forming a stable body. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15Bthe block body 1502 is a rectangular prism. In some embodiments, theblock elements 1500 are shaped substantially similar to LEGO® blocks asare well known in the art. Alternatively, the block body 1502 is able tobe any shape and size. The one or more coupling elements comprisecylindrical studs 1504A and inwardly directed spaced ribs 1504B. Thedimensions of the cylindrical studs 1504A and ribs 1504B are configuredsuch that the studs 1504A are able to be inserted in or between the ribs1504B and releasably held in place with a friction fit as shown in FIG.16. Alternatively, the one or more coupling elements are able tocomprise snap-fit elements, Velcro®, adhesives, magnets or otherfasteners as are well known in the art. In some embodiments, the gameboard 120 including the one or more sensors 125 further comprises one ormore coupling elements 1504A, 1504B such that the block elements 1500are able to couple to the game board 120. Similarly, in some embodimentsthe intelligent games piece objects 140, 142 and or terrain 900 compriseone or more coupling elements 1504A, 1504B such that the block elements1500, game board, intelligent game piece objects 140, 142 and terrain900 are able to couple to each other. As a result, the block elements1500 have the advantage of allowing a player of the multi-dimensionalgame to build any desired or required object simply by coupling aplurality of block elements 1500 together with the coupling elements1504A, 1504B to form the desired or required object. For example, auser/player is able to construct a ship using a plurality of the blockelements 1500 coupled together. Then, the user/player is able to utilizethe ship during gameplay by putting game piece objects 140, terrain 900,and or other block elements 1500 within the ship and traverse waterobstacles present on the game board 120.

The one or more sensors 1506 are able to be embedded within the body1502 block element 1500. Alternatively, the sensors 1506 are able to bepositioned anywhere on the block elements 1500. The sensors 1506 areable to be substantially similar to the sensors 125, 265, 280, 285, 906described above in relation to FIGS. 2A, 2D, 2G, 2H, 9A-9C and 10-12. Inparticular, the sensors 1506 are configured to sense one or more gamepieces 140 or terrain 900 when the game pieces 140 or terrain 900 arepositioned on top of or proximate to one or more of the sensors 1506.Accordingly, the sensors 1506 are able to detect when a game piece 140or terrain piece 900 is on top of the block elements 1500 as shown inFIG. 16. Further, in some embodiments, the sensors 1506 are able todetect when another block element 1500′ is positioned on top of one ormore of the sensors 1506 as shown in FIG. 16. Although FIG. 16 onlyillustrates a single game piece 140 and single block element 1500′stacked on or coupled to the top of other block elements 1500, it isunderstood that a number of game pieces 140, block elements 1500′ orterrain 900 are able to be coupled to or stacked on the block elements1500. As a result, the block elements 1500 provide the advantage ofbeing able to determine the position of game pieces 140, terrain 900 andor other block elements even if the game pieces 140, terrain 900 orother block elements 1500 are occluded or blocked from the view of anoverhead camera. This advantage is provided individually, or when theblock elements 1500 are coupled together to form an object for useduring gameplay. In some embodiments, the sensors 1506 are positioned inthe block element 1500 such that at least one sensor is located at eacharea on the block element 1500 where a game piece 140, terrain 900, andor other block element 1500 could be placed during gameplay.Alternatively, the sensors 1506 are able to be positioned anywhere onthe block elements 1500. In some embodiments, the sensors 1506 arecoupled together such that the sensors 1506 are able to communicate witheach other and/or a game board 120 sensor 125. Alternatively, one ormore of the sensors 1506 are isolated from the other sensors 1506.

In some embodiments, the block element 1500 further comprises one ormore RFID tags 1508 and block object information including a blockidentifier and characteristic values such that the block element 1500 isan intelligent block element similar to the intelligent game pieceobjects 600 and intelligent terrain 900″ described above. As a result,the intelligent block element 1500 is able to haveproperties/characteristics and be uniquely identified by the controller110 wherein gameplay is able to be adjusted based on theproperties/characteristics. For example, upon identifying the blockelement 1500 using the block object information, the controller 110 isable to adjust the gameplay according to the dimensions of the blockbody 1502, which correspond to the identified block element 1500.Further, in some embodiments, the controller 110 is able to adjust theproperties/characteristic values of a block 1500 based upon gameevent/game state information derived from the game play. In someembodiments, the block identifier is able to be a globally unique blockidentifier such that each block 1500 is able to be distinguished fromother blocks, terrain, or game pieces based on the identifier of theblock 1500. In some embodiments, the block element 1500 comprises anRFID tag 1508 for each of the sensors 1506 on the block element 1500.The block object information is stored in a nonvolatile memory 1515 thatis substantially similar to the nonvolatile memory 1015, 615 describedabove. The nonvolatile memory 1515 stores persistent block objectinformation, similar to the object information illustrated in FIGS.7A-7E, such as a unique identifier and characteristics such asdimensions including a shape and size, a name, speed, strength, specialpowers, light and/or audio processing algorithms and other objectinformation. Again, it will be recognized by one skilled in the art thata wide variety of memory maps are able to be used, so long as minimumfunctionality includes a unique identifier for the block element 1500.In some embodiments, the block elements 1500 comprise one or more of aprocessor/controller, an interface such as a transceiver, an audioprocessor, audio distribution equipment, a light emitting source, one ormore light transmitters, light diffusers, an opto-detector, batteriesand power source contacts. It is noted that the connections andoperation of these one or more elements of the block element 1500 issubstantially similar to the description corresponding to the sameelements within the intelligent game piece object 600 described abovewith reference to FIGS. 6A-6C and therefore is not repeated here for thesake of brevity.

In operation, the physical components 1404, 1404′ operate insubstantially the same manner as described above with regard to theintelligent game piece objects 140, 142 and terrain 900 except for thedifferences described herein. Specifically, the computer readable media111 and/or removable computer readable media 117 inserted within thecontroller 110 is further programmed with instructions to respond tochanges in the block object information of a block element 1500, sensedby a sensor 125 within the game board 120. In some embodiments, gamestate/game event information is able to be transferred to block elements1500 as block object information. One skilled in the art will recognizethat programmed instructions comprise a software application whichcontains the logic, game rules, scoring, sound, graphics, and otherattributes of game play for playing an interactive multi-dimensionalgame and adjusting the object information as disclosed herein. Theapplication software processes the block object information receivedfrom the interface electronics 115 and transmits image information of achanging image to the projector 130. In some embodiments, the blockelements 1500 transmit their block object information to the controller110 via a wireless router 150 or directly to the controller 110 equippedwith a wireless interface 116. In some embodiments, the controller 110is able to process the block object information in order to determinethe position and dimensions of the block elements 1500 for transmissionto the projector 130 and/or display device 99.

Virtual Components

FIG. 17 illustrates a virtual component 1402, 1402′ according to someembodiments. Each virtual component 1402, 1402′ comprises at least onevirtual environment 1702. In some embodiments, the virtual environment1702 is a virtual three-dimensional environment that allows a user tovirtually travel to different locations within the virtual environment1702 and interact with virtual objects within the virtual environment1702 as if the user was actually in the environment. For example, thevirtual environment 1702 is able to be similar to a three-dimensionalonline computer game such as Second Life® where players utilize avatarsto explore and interact with a virtual three-dimensional world.Alternatively, the virtual environment 1702 is a non-three-dimensionalgame such that the user interacts with images presented, but does nottravel within a virtual three-dimensional space. For example, thevirtual environment 1702 is able to be similar to a trivia game such asJeopardy® where players answer questions proposed in the virtualenvironment 1702 by inputting answers to the questions. Alternatively,the virtual environment 1702 is able to comprise a website or any numberof other virtual representations as are well known in the art. In someembodiments, the virtual environment 1702 incorporates a reward systemthat rewards users for completing tasks using the virtual component1402, 1402′ and or physical component 1404, 1404′. For example, thevirtual environment 1702 could challenge a user to build a desiredobject with one or more block elements 1500 using the physical component1404, 1404′ with a reward associated with the challenge. Specifically,upon completion of the desired object, the sensors 125 of the physicalcomponent 1404, 1404′ are able to transfer data representing an image ofthe object created to the virtual component 1402, 1402′. The virtualcomponent 1402, 1402′ is then able to determining if the image matchesthe desired object and reward the user with virtual money that is ableto be used to unlock items or other elements within the virtualenvironment 1702. In some embodiments, the virtual money is able to beused to purchase items in the real world.

In some embodiments, the virtual environment 1702 further comprises oneor more avatars 1704. The avatars 1704 are virtual representations ofusers that are interacting with the virtual environment 1702. In someembodiments, the avatars 1704 comprise an image of the user controllingthe avatar 1704. Alternatively, the avatars 1704 are able to compriseany image or images. In some embodiments, the avatar image is able to beselected or created by the user controlling the avatar 1704. In someembodiments, the avatars 1704 are represented in the virtual environment1702 from a third person perspective. Alternatively, the avatars 1704are represented from a first person or other perspective as are wellknown in the art. In some embodiments, the avatars 1704 correspond withone or more of the intelligent game board pieces 140, terrain 900 and/orblock elements 1500 of the physical component 1404. In such embodiments,when a user interacts with the avatar 1704 it is able to be reflected inthe corresponding physical component 1404 through light, sound, movementor other actions. Similarly, in such embodiments, when a user interactswith a physical component 1404 any corresponding avatars 1704 areaffected in the virtual environment 1702. For example, if an intelligentgame piece object 140 is moved into water on the game board 120, thecorresponding avatar 1704 is able to appear wet within the virtualenvironment 1702. In some embodiments, the virtual environment 1702further comprises one or more additional avatars 1704′. The additionalavatars 1704′ are able to be virtual representations of users of theadditional physical components 1404′ that are interacting with thevirtual environment 1702. For example, when two or more physicalcomponents 1404, 1404′ are coupled to the same virtual component 1402,1402′ as described above, the users of the physical components 1404,1404′ are able to each have an avatar 1704, 1704′ that is representedwithin the virtual environment 1702. As a result, the users of theavatar 1704 and additional avatars 1704′ are able to interact with eachother and the environment itself within the virtual environment 1702 viathe respective avatars 1704, 1704′. Similar to above, in someembodiments, the additional avatars 1704′ are able to have correspondingphysical components 1404′ wherein interactions with the associatedavatar or components affect each other.

FIG. 18 illustrates a global virtual component 1408 comprising each ofthe virtual components 1402, 1402′ according to some embodiments.Alternatively, the global virtual component 1408 is only made up of aportion of the number of virtual components 1402, 1402′. The globalvirtual component 1408 comprises a global virtual environment 1802including each of the virtual environments 1702 that correspond to thevirtual components 1402, 1402′. As a result, the global virtualenvironment 1802 encompasses each of the virtual environments 1702 intoa single seamless larger environment. Alternatively, the global virtualenvironment 1802 is only made up of a portion of the virtualenvironments 1702. In some embodiments, the global virtual environment1802 further comprises one or more of the avatars 1704 and additionalavatars 1704′. The avatars 1704 and additional avatars 1704′ are able tointeract and navigate from one virtual environment 1702 to anotherwithin the global virtual environment 1802 as if the virtualenvironments 1702 were a single environment. In some embodiments, theglobal virtual environment 1802 comprises additional virtual environment1804 that is independent of the environment that comprises the virtualenvironment 1702.

In operation, the virtual environment 1702 and/or global virtualenvironment 1802 are generated by the controller 110. Specifically, thecontroller 110 is configured to read the computer readable media 111and/or removable computer readable media 117 accessible to thecontroller 110 and generate the virtual environments 1702, 1802 based onthe instructions found within the computer readable media 111, 117.Alternatively, any other method of generating the virtual environment asare well known in the art is contemplated. The virtual environment 1702,1802 is then able to be transmitted from the controller 110 to thedisplay device 99 which displays the virtual environment 1702, 1802 to auser on the display device 99. In some embodiments, the controller 110further reads audio data from the computer readable media 111, 117associated with the virtual environment 1702, 1802 and transmits theaudio data to one or more of the speakers 112, 113, 114 for playing theaudio to the user. While the virtual environment 1702, 1802 is beinggenerated the controller 110 also receives data from the I/O devices 98and adjusts the virtual environment 1702, 1802 based on the received I/Odata. For example, as a user utilizes the I/O devices 98, the controller110 causes the avatar 1704, 1704′ to move or interact based on datareceived such that the user is able to interact with the virtualenvironment 1702, 1802. It should be noted that it is understood by oneskilled in the art that any number of controllers 110, computer readablemedia 111, 117, display devices 99, I/O devices 98, speakers, 112, 113,114 and other devices are able to be used to generate and control thevirtual environment 1702, 1802.

In embodiments including multiple users and avatars 1704, 1704′, thecontroller 110 dynamically adjusts the virtual environment 1702, 1802based on part or all of the I/O data received from the various I/Odevices 98 such as object information, game state/event informationand/or other types of information. The controller 110 further is able totransmit virtual environment data from the virtual environment 1702,1802 to the projector 130 for projecting images based on the statuswithin virtual environment 1702, 1802 onto the game board 120 and otherparts of the physical component 1404, 1404′. For example, if the virtualenvironment 1702, 1802 currently comprises a jungle with animals, theuser's avatar 1704 and additional avatars 1704′ from remote users, theprojector 130 is able to project jungle images on the physicalcomponents 1404, 1404′ including the avatars 1704, 1704′ themselves. Theposition where the avatars 1704, 1704′ and/or jungle images areprojected on the physical component 1404, 1404′ is able to correspond totheir position within the virtual environment 1702, 1802.

In some embodiments, the controller 110 is configured to receive sensordata from the physical component 1404, 1404′ such as sensor dataincluding object information, terrain object information and blockobject information from the game board 120, intelligent game boardpieces 140, terrain 900 and/or block elements 1500. The controller 110is able to dynamically adjust the virtual environment 1702, 1802 basedon the received sensor data. For example, if a sensor detects that auser moved a game piece object 140 onto a “portal” on the game board120, the sensor data sent to the controller 110 is able to be used toadjust the virtual environment 1702, 1802 such that the correspondingavatar 1704 is transported to a different portion of the virtualenvironment 1702, 1802. As another example, if a user builds an objectusing block elements 1500, the controller 110 is able to receive thesensor information about the object and adjust the virtual environment1702, 1802 by adding a virtual representation of the object to thevirtual environment. In some embodiments, the controller 110 isconfigured to send virtual environment data to the physical components1404, 1404′. In such embodiments, the controller is thereby able toadjust the characteristic values of the object information of thephysical components 1404, 1404′ based on user interactions or otherchanges in the virtual environment 1702, 1802. For example, thecontroller 110 is able to cause an intelligent game piece object 140 tolight up, move, speak, gain strength, gain speed, or otherwise change incelebration based on completing a challenge within the virtualenvironment 1702, 1802. In this manner, the multi-dimensional gamesystem provides the advantage of allowing a player to build physicalobjects using the building block elements 1500 and then use thephysically built objects in the virtual world. As yet another example, aplayer could create a plane in the physical component that is thentransferred to the virtual world and allows the player's avatar totraverse to the other side of a virtual canyon that was blocking a pathin the virtual environment. Thus, a multi-dimensional experience iscreated that involves the three-dimensional world of the game board andthe fourth dimensional experience of the virtual environment.

In some embodiments, the controller 110 is also able to relay I/O data,sensor data and/or other data over the network 1406 between physicalcomponents 1401 and additional physical components 1404′. For example,when a remote user moves a game piece 140 on the game board 120 of theiradditional physical component 1404′, the controller 110 is able toreceive the sensed movement and relay the new position of the game piece140 to the projector 130 of the local physical component 1404, whichthen moves a projected image of the game piece 140 on the local gameboard to reflect the new position. In this manner, the multi-dimensionalgame system provides the advantage of allowing two remote players tointeract on a physical game board despite not being in the samegeographical location. Specifically, the positions of the remoteplayer's pieces are able to be shown and moved on the game board by aprojector projecting and moving images that represent the remoteplayer's pieces on the game board as if the remote player were movingthe pieces on the local game board.

Methods of Playing the Multi-Dimensional Board Game System

A method of playing the multi-dimensional board game according to someembodiments will now be discussed in reference to the flow chartillustrated in FIG. 19. It is understood that the methods of playing themulti-dimensional board game are substantially similar to the method ofplaying the intelligent board game described above with the additionsincluded below. A user interacts with a physical component 1404comprising a game board 120 and one or more game pieces 140 at the step1902. A user interacts with a virtual component 1402 comprising avirtual environment 1702 displayed on a display device 99 at the step1904. The virtual component 1402 is altered by the controller 110 basedon the interactions with the physical component 1404 at the step 1906.The physical component 1404 is altered by the controller 110 based onthe interactions with the virtual component 1402 at the step 1908. As aresult, a user is able to physically interact with a game board 120 andgame pieces 140 such that they are able to complete challenges in thevirtual environment 1702. Further, within the same game the user is ableto virtually interact with the virtual environment 1702 and suchinteractions are able to be reflected in the physical gameplay of thephysical component. For example, completing tasks within the virtualenvironment 1702 with an avatar 1704 is able to increase characteristicssuch as strength, which is then reflected in the corresponding gamepiece 140 while using the physical components 1404. Thus, themulti-dimension game system is able to provide a multi-dimensionalexperience to the players.

In some embodiments, the interaction with the physical component 1404comprises completing one or more virtual game events in the virtualenvironment 1702 by interacting with the game board 120 and one or moregame pieces 140. In some embodiments, the virtual environment 1702comprises an avatar 1704 controlled by the user. In some embodiments,the avatar 1704 corresponds to at least one corresponding game piece140, terrain piece 900, block element 1500, group of block elements orother object used within the game. In some embodiments, the virtualenvironment 1702 comprises one or more additional avatars 1704′ that arecontrolled by one or more additional users. In some embodiments, thealterations to the virtual component 1402 are based on the actions ofthe avatar 1704 within the virtual environment 1702 independent of theinteractions of the user with the physical component 1404. In someembodiments, the alterations of the virtual environment 1702 are changesthat affect the avatar 1704 and are based on user interactions with thecorresponding game piece of the physical component. In some embodiments,alterations of the physical component 1404 are changes to thecorresponding game piece based on user interactions with the avatar 1704within the virtual environment 1702. In some embodiments, the additionalusers connect to the virtual environment 1702 from a different locationthan the user. In some embodiments, alterations to the physicalcomponent 1404 comprise projecting one or more images onto the gameboard 120 with a projection device, wherein at least one of the imagescorrespond to the actions and or position of the avatar 1704 within thevirtual environment 1702. In some embodiments, at least one of theimages correspond to the actions and or position of at least one of theadditional avatars 1704′. In some embodiments, alterations to thephysical component 1404 comprise coupling one of more game blocks of thephysical component 1404 to each other thereby forming one or moreobjects. In some embodiments, alterations to the virtual component 1402comprise generating one or more virtual representations of at least oneof the objects within the virtual environment 1702 such that the user isable to interact with the virtual representations in the virtualenvironment 1702.

A method of playing the multi-dimensional board game according to someembodiments will now be discussed in reference to the flow chartillustrated in FIG. 20. A user sets up the game board 120 including oneor more board sensors at the step 2002. A user couples a plurality ofgame blocks 1500 to each other with one or more coupling elements 1504A,1504B, wherein each game block 1500 includes one or more block sensors1506 and at least one of the one or more coupling elements 1504A, 1504Bat the step 2004. The board sensors 125 sense the position of the gameblocks 1500 when the game blocks 1500 are on the game board 120 at thestep 2006. The board sensors 125 sense the block data of the game blocks1500 including block type/characteristics and block identification whenthe game blocks 1500 are on the game board 120 at the step 2008. Theboard sensors 125 sense the orientation of the game blocks 1500 when thegame blocks 1500 are on the game board 120 at the step 2010. In someembodiments, the position of the game blocks 1500 sensed by the boardsensors 125 includes an elevation of the game blocks 1500 above the gameboard 120. A computing device in communication with the game board 120computes the dimensions of one or more objects formed by the game blocks1500 based on one or more of the position of the game blocks 1500, thegame block data and the orientation of the game blocks 1500 at the step2012. In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more objectscomprises a plurality of the game blocks 1500 coupled together. Thecomputing device generates a virtual environment 1702 associated withthe multi-dimensional game at the step 2014. The computing devicegenerates virtual representations of the one or more objects based onthe computed dimensions and adding the virtual representations to thevirtual environment 1702 at the step 2016. A user interacts with thevirtual representations within the virtual environment 1702 using a userinterface 98 coupled with the computing device at the step 2018. Theboard sensors 125 and/or block sensors 1506 detect the position of oneor more game pieces 140 when the game pieces 140 are proximate to theboard sensors 125 or block sensors 1506 at the step 2020. A user couplesat least one of the game blocks 1500 with at least one of the game board120 and the game pieces 140 at the step 2022. The computing devicegenerates virtual representations of at least one of the game pieces 140and adds the virtual representations to the virtual environment 1702 atthe step 2024. In some embodiments, the computing device is a controller110. As a result, a user is able to use the block elements 1500 to builda myriad of different objects not only for use with the game board 120,but also for use within the generated virtual environment 1702.

The multi-dimensional gaming system described herein has numerousadvantages. Specifically, the combination of a virtual component 1402with the physical component 1404 allows a player to enjoy the benefitsof physical interaction with game pieces 140, terrain and block elements1500, while adding a virtual dimension that allows the physicalcomponents to virtually travel to different places or times. Unlike,standard board games where any added virtual component is often limitedto graphics that cannot be interacted with other than observation, theplayer of the game system is able to fully interact with a virtual worldwherein the interactions affect the physical world as well. This,further allows the multi-dimensional game to be played by multipleplayers in different geographical locations as long as they are able toconnect to the virtual component. Thus, though not in each other'sphysical presence, the players are still able to play a physicalcomponent 1404 of the game together. Moreover, the block elements 1500of the game system provide the advantage of allowing players to createany object they can imagine by coupling the blocks together. This allowsthe user to not only utilize their creations with the physical gameboard 120 which can sense the object's position, it also allows the userto utilize the object in the virtual world. Thus, the virtual andphysical elements are seamlessly incorporated allowing the users to havea multi-dimensional gaming experience. Accordingly, themulti-dimensional gaming system has numerous advantages over the priorart.

Dynamic Characteristic Tracking

FIG. 2I illustrates a board game system 2100 including dynamiccharacteristic tracking according to some embodiments. It is understoodthat although the following description is in reference to a singleboard game system 2100, multiple systems are conceived includingmultiple board games of different types, in different locations allcapable of being connected over a network. The board game system 2100 isable to correspond to the intelligent gaming system 100, themulti-dimensional gaming system 1400, and/or other board game systems asare well known in the art. The board game system 2100 comprises boardgame objects 2102, one or more memory/storage elements 2104, and atleast one controller 2106, all of which are able to be coupled togetherover a network 2108. In some embodiments, one or more additional devicesare able to be added to the system 2100 such as additional controllers,a display device, an input/output (I/O) device, a computer readablemedia, a removable computer readable media, a projector, one or morespeakers, one or more interconnection cables or other gaming devices asare well known in the art. In some embodiments, the network 2108 is awireless network. Alternatively, the network 2108 is able to comprise awired network such as a USB network, or any combination of multiple orsingle, wired or wireless networks as are well known in the art. Thegame objects 2102 are able to comprise a game piece 140, a game board120, a terrain piece 900, a block element 1500, and/or other objectsused with board games as are well known in the art. As described above,the game objects 2102 are able to each have object information includinga globally unique identifier. In some embodiments, the game objects 2102each comprise interface electronics 620, 115 for transmitting the objectinformation and receiving adjustments to the characteristic values ofthe object information from the controller 2106.

The one or more memory elements 2104 are able to comprise a nonvolatilememory. Alternatively, the one or more memory elements are able tocomprise other types of memory as are well known in the art. In someembodiments, the memory elements 2104 are integrated with one or more ofthe board game objects 2102 such that the objects 2102 are able to storeobject information using the memory elements 2104. Alternatively, thememory elements 2104 are able to be integrated with one or more of theboard game objects 2102 and one or more servers (not shown) or otherelectronic devices capable of reading and writing stored data as arewell known in the art.

In the case wherein one or more of the memory elements 2104 areintegrated on one or more servers, the servers are able to store anddynamically track object information relating to some or all of theboard game objects 2102 in the world. Specifically, controllers 2106 areable to upload any adjustments to the object information of the boardgame objects 2102 to the memory elements 2104 in the server for storageand tracking. In such embodiments, the game objects 2102 are able toonly store their unique identifiers and the controller 2106 is able toperform the function of keeping track of the object information (andadjustments thereto) until the object information is able to be uploadedto the servers. Alternatively, in the case where the game objects 2102store their unique identifier and at least their own characteristicvalues (if not also the object information of other game objects 2102 aswell), the uploading is able to be in the form of synchronizing theobject information stored on the servers with the adjusted objectinformation stored on the objects 2102. This synchronizing is able tooccur through the controller 2106 or directly between the game objects2102 and the servers. In some embodiments, the uploading occurs as soonas possible when the servers and the objects 2102 and/or controller 2106are connected. Alternatively, the uploading is able to occurperiodically or on demand when the servers and the objects 2102 and/orcontroller 2106 are connected. In some embodiments, a user is able toaccess a webpage or other interface as are well known in the artassociated with their game objects 2102 that displays the objectinformation associated with the game object 2102. In some embodiments,the webpage or other interface is a part of the virtual component 1402of the multi-dimensional board game 1400.

In the case where the memory 2104 is integrated with the game objects2102, (but optionally not the servers or other devices), the uploading,downloading, and or synchronization is able to occur between the gameobjects 2102. For example, one or more designated game objects 2102 suchas a game board 120, are able to take the same role as the servers suchthat the game board 120 stores the object information of all the objects2102 in its memory 2104. Alternatively, every game object 2102 is ableto act as a “designated” game object 2102 such that each game object2102 stored and tracked the object information of some or all of thegame objects 2102 within the system 2100. In such an embodiment,transfers would be a synchronization of the latest object informationexcept in the case of a new object to the system 2100, which wouldrequire an initial download of all or some of the object informationfrom the other objects 2102. In this case, similar to above, uploading,downloading and/or synchronizing of the object information is able to beperformed as soon as possible, periodically and/or upon demand. Alsosimilar to above, a user is able to access a webpage or other interfaceas are well known in the art associated with their game objects 2102that displays the object information associated with the game object2102. In some embodiments, the webpage or other interface is a part ofthe virtual component 1402 of the multi-dimensional board game 1400.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the system 2100 is able to provide theadvantage of replacing lost game objects 2102. Specifically, if a gameobject 2102 is lost, a user may be able to download the objectinformation that corresponded to the lost game object into a new ordifferent game object 2102 thereby associating the characteristic valuesor “experience” of the lost object with the new object and that newobject's unique identifier. This replacement downloading is able to befrom the servers or from another game object 2102. In some embodiments,the replacement downloading is able to be offered as a part of asubscription service or for a fee. As a result, the dynamic trackingsystem 2100 also provides the benefit of the ability to replace damagedor lost game objects without losing their built up characteristic valuesor “experience.” Thus, a user does not need to worry about losing avaluable game object after investing time and effort into developing thevalue of the game object.

Accordingly, the dynamic tracking system 2100 described herein providesthe advantage of allowing characteristics of a uniquely identifiablegame object 2102 to be tracked and stored by the system 2100 during andin between game play such that the characteristics of the game object“develop” over time creating a truly unique game object 2102.Specifically, the object information (stored in the memory elements 2104on the game objects 2102 and/or the servers) is then able to be accessedby any game object 2102 or controller 2106 coupled to the network 2108.As a result, object information for each of the game objects 2102 isable to be accessed for use both during and outside of game play.

In some embodiments, the controller 2106 is substantially similar to thecontrollers 110, 610 described in relation to the intelligent game boardsystem 100 and multi-dimensional game system 1400. The controller 2106is able to be integrated with one or more of the game board objects2102, the one or more servers, or other electronic devices as are wellknown in the art. Further, the controller 2106 is able to comprisepermanent computer readable media 111 integrated with the controller2106 and/or removable computer readable media 117 that is removablyinserted within the controller 110. In some embodiments, the controller2106 comprises at least one program including one or more in-gamealgorithms and one or more out-of-game algorithms. The one or moreprograms including the algorithms are able to be stored on the computerreadable media 111, 117 and are used to dynamically track and adjust thecharacteristic values of the game objects 2102 stored on the memoryelements 2104.

The in-game algorithms define rules for adjusting the characteristicvalues based on game event data, state data, statistic data or otherdata caused by player actions (or inaction) during game play. In someembodiments, this data is caused by player actions (or inaction) in avirtual component of a multi-dimensional board game 1400. For example,in a baseball board game, if a player causes a game object 2102 tosuccessfully steal a base, the in-game algorithm will cause thecontroller 2106 to adjust the characteristic values of the game object2102 such that the value of the number of stolen bases is incrementedand the speed attribute value is increased. As another example, if thegame object 2102 is a game board 120 for a fantasy game, a game eventthat occurs in the virtual component such as rain is able to cause thecontroller 2106 to decrease a traction value of the characteristicvalues of the game object 2102 based on the in-game algorithm.Furthermore, the exact adjustments caused by these in-game algorithmsare able to vary from game type to game type depending on the rules ofthe game and from game object to game object.

The out-of-game algorithms define rules for adjusting the characteristicvalues based on external events that occur outside of game play. In someembodiments, the out-of-game events are also able to occur in a virtualcomponent of a multi-dimensional board game 1400. For example, regardinga game object 2102 used for a baseball game, hiring a virtual trainer orbuying a trainer game object 2102 from the virtual component outside ofgame play is able to trigger an external event that causes thecontroller 2106 to lower an injury value (or increase the rate at whichit lowers) of the characteristic values of the game object 2102 suchthat an injury suffered by the game object 2102 is able to “heal” (orheal faster) as time passes. As another example, if the game object 2102is a terrain piece such as a baseball stadium, an external event such asthe passing of a period of time outside of game play is able to triggeran external event that causes the controller 2106 to lower a fieldconditions value of the characteristic values such that future game playutilizing the baseball stadium terrain will have an increased chance oferrors occurring. As with the in-game algorithms, the out-of-gamealgorithms are able to vary based on game type and game object 2102. Forexample, an injury or base stealing algorithm (in-game or out-of-game)is able to take into consideration the unique identifier of the gameobject 2102. As a result, two duplicate “babe ruth” game objects 2102with matching characteristic values are able to be adjusted differentlyby the algorithms based on their differing unique identifiers.Alternatively, two duplicate “babe ruth” game objects 2102 withdiffering characteristic values (based on prior in game or out of gameadjustments) are able to be adjusted differently by the algorithms basedon their differing characteristic values. Alternatively, unique in-gameand/or out-of-game algorithms are able to be assigned to each or aplurality of the game objects. All of these characteristic valueadjustments are able to be tracked and stored in the memory elements2104. Accordingly, the dynamic tracking system 2100 described hereinprovides the advantage of allowing even physically identical game pieces2102 to age or react differently to game play and outside of game playas if they were truly distinct individuals.

Method of Playing a Board Game with Dynamic Characteristic Tracking

A method of playing the board game with dynamic characteristic trackingaccording to some embodiments will now be discussed in reference to theflow chart illustrated in FIG. 22. It is understood that the method ofplaying a board game with dynamic characteristic tracking is able to becombined with the other methods described herein in reference to theflow charts illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, 8A-D 13, 19 and 20. A uniqueidentifier and one or more characteristic values associated with a gameobject are stored in a memory at the step 2202. In some embodiments, thememory is integrated with one or more of the game objects and/or one ormore servers. In some embodiments, the one or more of the game objectseach comprise an interface for coupling to the servers. In someembodiments, the interface comprises a universal serial bus. Thecharacteristic values are adjusted with a controller based on gameevents that occur while playing the board game with the game objects atthe step 2204. In some embodiments, the controller is integrated withone or more of the game objects. The characteristic values are adjustedwith the controller based on external events that occur separate fromthe playing of the board game with the game objects at the step 2206. Insome embodiments, the characteristic values affect the way the boardgame is played with the game objects. In some embodiments, the gameobject is selected from a group consisting of a game piece, a terrainpiece and a game board. In some embodiments, the characteristic valuesstored on the servers are synchronized with the characteristic valuesstored on the game objects if the associated unique identifiers match.Alternatively, the characteristic values stored on the game objects aresynchronized with the characteristic values stored on other game objectsif the associated unique identifiers match. In some embodiments, one ormore of the unique identifiers and the associated characteristic valuesare downloaded from one or more of the game objects and/or the serversto a new game object. In some embodiments, the adjustments are alteredbased on the unique identifier such that different game objects areadjusted differently based on the same external events and/or gameevents.

The dynamic system tracking described herein has numerous advantages.Specifically, the tracking allows a user to individually develop theirgame objects such that each game object is distinct from every othergame object based on their experiences/game events that occur duringgame play, as well as due to external events. As a result, the dynamictracking described herein provides the advantage of allowing evenphysically identical game pieces 2102 to age or react differently togame play and outside of game play as if they were truly distinctindividuals. One game object 2102 might be prone to injury while anotheridentical object might never be injured based on their differing uniqueidentifiers when combined with the in game and out of game events theyencounter. Additionally, these unique traits and experiences defined inthe object information of the game objects are able to be restored to anew game piece if lost or damaged by downloading the stored object datafrom tracking servers or other game objects. Thus, the board game withdynamic tracking system described herein provides the benefit of a boardgame with game objects whose development reflects not merely experienceswithin a single playing of the game, but instead includes experiencesfrom every previous game play as well as out of game experiencesallowing each object to obtain a unique value.

Object Tracking and/or Location Determination

FIG. 23 illustrates an object tracking and/or position determinationsystem 2300 according to some embodiments. The system 2300 comprises oneor more furniture items and/or building structures 2302 each having oneor more sensors 125, one or more objects 2304 each having one or moresensor tags 225, one or more controllers 2306 and at least one userinterface 2310. The furniture items and/or building structures 2302, thecontrollers 2306 and the user interface 2310 are coupled together over anetwork 2308. In particular, the network 2308 couples the sensors 125 ofthe furniture items and/or building structures 2302 to the controller2306 and the couples the controller 2306 to the user interface 2310 suchthat signals received by the sensors 125 from one or more of the objects2304 are able to be transmitted to the controller 2306 which calculatesthe position of an object 2304 based on the signals and transmits thecalculated position to the user interface 2310. Similarly, via thecoupling, instructions received from a user of the user interface 2310are able to be transmitted to the controller 2306 wherein the controller2306 adjusts operation based on the commands and/or transmits signals tothe sensors 125 and/or objects 2304 based on the commands.

The system 2300 is able to comprise at least one controller and/or userinterface 2310 for each furniture item and/or building structure 2302.Alternatively, a plurality of the furniture items and/or buildingstructures 2302 are able to share a controller 2306, a user interface2310 or both. In some embodiments, the system 2300 is able to furthercomprise one or more additional devices such as display devices,input/output (I/O) devices, computer readable media, removable computerreadable media, projectors, speakers, interconnection cables or otherdevices as are well known in the art. The furniture items and/orbuilding structures 2302, objects 2304, controllers 2306 and interface2310 are able to be located in the same location such as a single room.Alternatively, the components 2302, 2304, 2306, 2310 of the system 2300each are able to be located in different rooms, different buildings orother different locations where the components are able to connect overthe network 2308. In some embodiments, the network 2308 is a wirelessnetwork. Alternatively, the network 2308 is able to comprise a wirednetwork such as a USB network, or any combination of multiple or single,wired or wireless networks as are well known in the art. It isunderstood that the system 2300 is able to operate to track objects 2304proximate the furniture items and/or building structures 2304 in asubstantially similar manner as the intelligent gaming system 100operated to track game pieces 140 proximate the game board 120 exceptfor the differences described herein.

The objects 2304 comprise beakers, microscopes, tools, instruments orother objects capable of coupling with a sensor tag 225. The objects2304 are able to be substantially similar to the game piece 140, theterrain piece 900, the block element 1500 and/or other objects describedabove in the manner in which they interact with the sensors 125 exceptas described herein. As described above, each of the objects 2304comprises one or more sensor tags 225. The one or more sensor tags 225of each of the objects 2304 are able to be active or passive andcomprise object information including a unique identifier and/orcharacteristic values. The unique identifier is able to be transmittedfrom the sensor tag 225 of the objects 2304 to the sensors 125 of thefurniture items and/or building structures 2302 such that the object2304 is able to be identified. The characteristic values are able torepresent dynamic or static characteristics of an object 2304 that areable to utilized and/or updated by the controller 2306 and/or presentedto a user via the user interface 2310. For example, an object 2304 isable to have an “age” characteristic value that is dynamically adjustedover time by the controller 2306 to reflect the age of the object 2304.As another example, a characteristic value is able to be “locationduration” value wherein the controller 2306 dynamically updates the timeperiod an object 2304 has been in a particular location. As a result,these characteristic values are able to be presented to a user by theuser interface 2310 such that the user is able to determine when anobject needs to be replaced based on the age value, or when an object2304 has been cooling for a sufficient duration based on the locationduration value. In some embodiments, one or more of the objects 2304comprise interface electronics 620, 115 for transmitting the objectinformation to the controller 2306 and receiving adjustments tocharacteristic values of the object information from the controller2306.

The controller or controllers 2306 are able to be substantially similarto the controllers 110, 610, 2106 described above except the differencesdescribed herein. In some embodiments, one or more of the controllers2306 are able to be integrated with one or more of the furniture itemsand/or building structures 2302, the user interface 2310 and/or otherelectronic devices well known in the art. In embodiments where one ormore of the controllers 2306 are not integrated with a furniture itemand/or building structure 2302, the furniture items and/or buildingstructures 2302 are able to comprise a network interface (not shown) forcoupling to the remote controller 2306 through the network. In someembodiments, the controller 2306 comprises permanent computer readablemedia 111 integrated with the controller 2306 and/or removable computerreadable media 117 that is removably inserted within the controller2306. In some embodiments, the controller 2306 comprises one or moreprograms that are stored on the computer readable media 111, 117.Alternatively, the programs are able to be stored on a remote storagedevice such as one or more servers coupled to the controller 2306 viathe network 2308. The one or more of the programs or modules are able toinclude a location program, a characteristics program, a storage programand/or other programs as are well known in the art.

Utilizing the location program, the controller 2306 dynamicallycalculates or determines the location and identity of the objects 2304proximate the sensors 125 periodically. Alternatively, the frequency orschedule upon which the controller 2306 determines the locations andidentity of the objects 2304 is able to be any combination ofperiodically, continuously, upon demand by a user or according to otherschedules as are well known in the art. For example, in order to savepower, the controller 2306 is able to only periodically check thesensors 125 for sensed objects 2304 when no objects are currentlysensed, and then continuously check the sensors 125 for sensed objects2304 as long as at least one object is currently sensed by a sensor. Insome embodiments, the schedule of the location program is able to beselectively adjusted by a user. For example, during a busy time a useris able to select a continuous location checking schedule, but thenadjust to checking schedule to on demand during a slower time period. Insome embodiments, a user is able to adjust the sensor scope of thelocation program such that the controller 2306 only checks a selectedportion of the sensors 125 coupled to the controller. This sensor scopeadjustment is able to distinguish between sensors on different furnitureitems and/or building structures 2302, sensors on different parts of thesame furniture item and/or building structure 2302 (e.g. sensors or twodifferent shelf levels) or other groupings or single sensors that a userdesires to distinguish. For example, a user is able to specify that onlysensors 125 associated with one of three furniture items and/or buildingstructures 2302 coupled to the controller 2306 be checked, or that onebe checked according to a periodic schedule and the others be checkedaccording to an on demand schedule.

Utilizing the characteristics program, the controller 2306 adjusts thecharacteristic values of the objects 2304. For example, a user is ableinstruct the controller 2306 to update a content characteristic of anobject 2304 to reflect new content that has been placed within theobject 2304, or the controller 2306 is able to automatically adjust thelocation duration value to reflect an increased duration that at object2304 has been sensed in a particular location.

Utilizing the storage program, the controller 1206 stores a table havingthe determined locations of one or more of the objects 2304 and theidentifiers of those objects 2304 within a storage device such as adatabase on the computer readable media 111, 117, the user interface2310, one or more servers, or other storage devices as are well known inthe art. In some embodiments, the table comprises one or more tableentries, wherein each of the entries comprise one of the determinedlocations of a sensed object 2304, the unique identifier of theparticular object 2304 detected at the determined location, and a timeat which the object was detected at the determined location.Alternatively, the table entries are able to include characteristicvalues of the particular object 2304 and/or other data relating to theparticular object 2304 or determined location. As a result, a userutilizing the search module of the user interface 2310 described belowis able to access a history of the movement of the objects 2304 bysorting and otherwise observing the table entries.

The user interface or interfaces 2310 are able to comprise a memory, adisplay and an input/output device such as a keyboard, mouse or otherinput/output devices as are well known in the art. In some embodiments,the user interface 2310 is a computer. Alternatively, the user interface2310 is able to be other types of user interfaces able to communicatewith a controller as are well known in the art. In some embodiments, theuser interface 2310 is integrated into the furniture item 2302.Alternatively, the user interface 2310 is able to be separate from orcombined with one or more of the furniture items 2302 and/or one or moreof the controllers 2306. In operation, each user interface 2310 iscoupled with one or more of the controllers 2306 for presenting thelocation data, characteristic values and other data computed by thecoupled controllers 2306. In some embodiments, one or more of the userinterfaces 2310 comprise a search module for searching for locationdata, characteristic data and other data related to a desired object ofthe objects 2304. In some embodiments, the search module presents atable of all the data received from the controllers 2306 and enables auser to filter or otherwise search the data utilizing the inputs of theuser interface 2310. In some embodiments, the search module comprisesone or more of a keyword, parametric, hierarchical and/or dichotomoussearch for searching the data. Alternatively, other search andpresentation methods are conceived as are well known in the art.

In some embodiments, one or more of the user interfaces 2310 comprise awarning module that warns the user if one of the objects 2304 isdetected in a preselected undesired location, near a preselected otherobject 2304 or is no longer detected in a preselected location or near apreselected other object 2304. For example, the warning module allows auser to select one or more of the objects 2304, one or more of furnitureitem sensors/sensor locations 125 and/or one or more other objects 2304,wherein if it is detected that the selected object is within a selecteddistance of the locations and/or other objects it will trigger a warningevent on the user interface 2310 such that the user is warned. As aresult, the system 2300 provides the advantage of warning a user if, forexample, a flammable object is accidentally placed near the location ofa bunsen burner. As another example, the warning module enables a userto select one or more of the objects 2304, one or more of furniture itemsensors/sensor locations 125 and/or one or more other objects 2304,wherein if it is no longer detected that the selected object is within aselected distance of the locations and/or other objects it will triggera warning event on the user interface 2310 such that the user is warned.As a result, the system 2300 provides the advantage of warning a user ifa set of paired beakers or instruments are accidentally separated. Thewarning module and search module are able to be stored in memory on theuser interface 2310. Alternatively, the modules are able to be stored ina memory remote or removable from the user interface 2310.

FIG. 24 illustrates a furniture item 2302A and building structure 2302Baccording to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 24, the furniture item2302A comprises a body 2402A in the form of a desk with a drawerincluding a plurality of sensors 125 and a controller 2306.Alternatively, the body 2402A of the furniture item 2302A is able tocomprise a shelf, table, bench, podium or other structure capable ofsupporting objects 2304. The building structure 2302B comprises a body2402B in the form of a floor area including a plurality of sensors 125and a controller 2306. Alternatively, the body 2302B of the buildingstructure 2302B is able to comprise one or more walls, ceilings and/orfloor areas. For example, the floor of an area is able to include theplurality of sensors 125 and a controller 2306 such that the objects areable to be tracked relative to the position of the sensors 125 of thefloor. In some embodiments, the controller 2306 is able to be separatefrom the furniture item and/or building structure 2302A, 2302B. In someembodiments, the sensors 125 are embedded within the body 2402A, 2402Bof the furniture item and/or building structure 2302A, 2302B.Alternatively, the sensors 125 are able to be selectively releasablycoupled or permanently coupled to a surface of the body 2402A, 2402B.For example, the sensors 125 are able to be integrated within asubstantially thin sheet that is configured to releasably or permanentlycoupled to the body 2402A, 2402B of the furniture item and/or buildingstructure 2302A, 2302B. Alternatively, the sensors 125 are able to beindividually releasably or permanently coupled to the body 2402A, 2402B.In some embodiments, the sensors 125 are positioned on one or more ofthe supporting surfaces of the body 2402A, 2402B in a grid formation. Insome embodiments, the sensors 125 are positioned on the substantiallyhorizontal and/or substantially vertical planar surfaces of the body2402A, 2402B. Alternatively, the sensors 125 are able to be positionedin other locations and/or formations as are well known in the art. Eachof the sensors 125 is wirelessly or otherwise coupled with thecontroller 2306 for transmitting signals to the controller 2306regarding sensed objects 2304, wherein the coupling is either direct orindirect via another sensor 125. Each of the sensors 125 comprise aunique sensor identifier such that the controller 2306 is able todistinguish between the sensors 125 and assign a location to each sensor125. Alternatively, the location of the sensors 125 on the furnitureitem and/or building structure 2302A, 2302B is represented by a portionof the unique sensor identifier such that the controller 2306 is able todetermine the location of the sensors 125. During operation, each sensor125 that transmits data regarding a proximate object 2304 to thecontroller 2306 also transmits the unique sensor identifier associatedwith the sensor 125 such that the controller 2306 is able to assign thelocation of the particular sensor detected with the object that is beingdetected.

Method of Determining the Position and Identification of Objects

A furniture based method of determining the position and identificationof objects according to some embodiments will now be discussed inreference to the flow chart illustrated in FIG. 25. One or more objectshaving one or more sensor tags are placed proximate one or morefurniture items and/or building structures having one or more sensors atthe step 2502. In some embodiments, a user releasably or permanentlycouples the one or more sensors to the furniture items and/or buildingstructures. In some embodiments, a user adjusts the tracking scheduleand or the sensor scope of a controller coupled to the sensors. One ormore of the sensors receive and/or read object data stored on the sensortags of the objects that are proximate at least one of the sensors atthe step 2504. In some embodiments, the sensors read the object dataperiodically. Alternatively, the sensors read the object data on aschedule comprising any combination of periodically, continuously or ondemand. The read object data and furniture item and/or buildingstructures sensor identifier is transmitted to the one or morecontrollers coupled to the sensors such that the controllers are able todetermine the location of the objects at the step 2506. In someembodiments, the controllers update the characteristic values of theobjects detected. In some embodiments, the controllers store a tablehaving the determined locations of one or more of the objects and theidentifiers of those objects within a storage device. The determinedlocation and/or characteristic values of the detected objects arepresented to the user on a user interface at the step 2508. In someembodiments, a user searches for desired object data of the determinedlocation and/or characteristic values presented with a search module onthe user interface.

The object tracking and locating system 2300 described herein hasnumerous advantages. Because the system 2300 is able to track theposition of the objects in relation to the furniture items and/orbuilding structures, it provides the advantage of preventing the objectsfrom being lost and decreases the time necessary to search for misplacedobjects. Further, the system 2300 provides the advantage of warning whenone or more objects are located in a dangerous or undesired location.Additionally, the system 2300 provides the advantage of trackingcharacteristic values of the objects such that a user is able to knowwhen an object needs to be replace and/or how long it has been restingin a position. Moreover, the system provides the advantage of storing alog of all of the recorded positions of the objects such that a user isable to track the movement of an object over time. Accordingly, theobject tracking and locating system 2300 provides for a safer, cheaperand more efficient workspace.

The present invention has been described in terms of specificembodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding ofprinciples of construction and operation of the invention. Suchreference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is notintended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will bereadily apparent to one skilled in the art that other variousmodifications are able to be made in the embodiment chosen forillustration without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the claims.

1. A system for determining the location of objects comprising: one ormore structures having one or more sensors; one or more objects havingone or more sensor tags; and one or more controllers coupled to thesensors for receiving signals from the sensors when the objects areproximate the sensors such that the controllers are able to determinethe location of the objects, wherein the controllers are configured toonly check if the objects are proximate a selected subset of the sensorsfor a plurality of consecutive checking cycles such that all the sensorsof the selected subset are checked multiple times without checking anyof the sensors not in the subset, wherein the subset is based on userinput.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the structures comprise one ormore of the group consisting of a table, a desk, a bench, a drawer, achair, a shelf, a countertop, a floor, a ceiling and a wall.
 3. Thesystem of claim 2 wherein the sensors are RFID sensors and the sensortags are RFID sensor tags.
 4. The system of claim 3 wherein the sensorsare positioned in a grid formation.
 5. The system of claim 4 wherein thesensors are embedded within the structures.
 6. The system of claim 5wherein the sensors are positioned such that the sensors are a part of aportion of the structure that is substantially parallel to the ground.7. The system of claim 5 wherein the sensors are positioned such thatthe sensors are a part of a portion of the structure that issubstantially perpendicular to the ground.
 8. The system of claim 4wherein the sensors are positioned on a surface of the structures. 9.The system of claim 8 wherein the sensors are releasably coupled to thestructures.
 10. The system of claim 6 wherein each structure comprisesat least one of the controllers.
 11. The system of claim 6 wherein aplurality of the structures share at least one of the controllers suchthat the shared controller receives signals from the sensors on theplurality of the structures.
 12. The system of claim 11 furthercomprising a user interface coupled to one or more of the controllerssuch that the user interface device allows a user to observe thedetermined position of one or more of the objects.
 13. The system ofclaim 12 wherein the user interface comprises a search module forsearching for a target object of the objects and displaying thedetermined position of the target object to the user.
 14. The system ofclaim 13 wherein the user interface comprise a warning module that warnsthe user if one of the objects is detected in an undesired location. 15.The system of claim 14 wherein the warning module warns the user if oneof the objects is detected in a location proximate to another one of theobjects.
 16. The system of claim 15 wherein the warning module warns theuser if one of the objects is no longer detected at a location.
 17. Thesystem of claim 16 wherein each of the sensor tags of the objectscomprise a unique identifier that is used by the controller to identifywhich of the objects a particular sensor is sensing.
 18. The system ofclaim 17 wherein the user interface is incorporated into one or more ofthe controllers.
 19. The system of claim 18 wherein the controllercomprises a storage module that stores the determined locations of oneor more of the objects in a memory device coupled with the controller.20. The system of claim 19 wherein the determined locations are storedas entries in a database, wherein each of the entries comprise one ofthe determined locations, the unique identifier of the object detectedat the one of the determined locations, and a time at which the objectwas detected at the one of the determined locations such that a user isable to access a history of the movement of the objects.
 21. A structurefor determining the position of objects comprising: a body; one or moresensors coupled with the body such that the sensors are able to sensethe objects via the sensor tags when the objects are proximate one ormore of the sensors; and one or more controllers coupled with thesensors for receiving signals from the sensors when the objects areproximate the sensors such that the controllers are able to determinethe location of the objects, wherein the controllers are configured toonly check if the objects are proximate a selected subset of the sensorsfor a plurality of consecutive checking cycles such that all the sensorsof the selected subset are checked multiple times without checking anyof the sensors not in the subset, wherein the subset is selected basedon user input.
 22. (canceled)
 23. The structure of claim 21 wherein thebody comprises one or more of the group consisting of a table, a desk, abench, a drawer, a chair, a shelf, a countertop, a floor, a ceiling anda wall.
 24. The structure of claim 23 wherein the sensors are RFIDsensors and the sensor tags are RFID sensor tags.
 25. The structure ofclaim 24 wherein the sensors are positioned in a grid formation withinthe body.
 26. The structure of claim 25 wherein the sensors are embeddedwithin the body.
 27. The structure of claim 25 wherein the sensors arepositioned on a surface of the body.
 28. The structure of claim 27wherein the sensors are releasably coupled to the body.
 29. Thestructure of claim 26 wherein the structure shares at least one of thecontrollers with an additional structure such that the shared controllerreceives signals from the sensors on both the structure and theadditional structure.
 30. The structure of claim 29 further comprising auser interface coupled to one or more of the controllers such that theuser interface device allows a user to observe the determined positionof one or more of the objects.
 31. The structure of claim 30 wherein theuser interface comprises a search module for searching for a targetobject of the objects and displaying the determined position of thetarget object to the user.
 32. The structure of claim 31 wherein theuser interface comprise a warning module that warns the user if one ofthe objects is detected in an undesired location.
 33. The structure ofclaim 32 wherein the warning module warns the user if one of the objectsis detected in a location proximate to another one of the objects. 34.The structure of claim 33 wherein the warning module warns the user ifone of the objects is no longer detected at a location.
 35. Thestructure of claim 34 wherein the user interface is incorporated intoone or more of the controllers.
 36. The structure of claim 35 whereineach of the sensor tags of the objects comprise a unique identifier thatis used by the controllers to identify which of the objects a particularsensor is sensing.
 37. The structure of claim 36 wherein the controllercomprises a storage module that stores the determined locations of oneor more of the objects in a memory device coupled with the controller.38. The structure of claim 37 wherein the determined locations arestored as entries in a database, wherein each of the entries compriseone of the determined locations, the unique identifier of the objectdetected at the one of the determined locations, and a time at which theobject was detected at the one of the determined locations such that auser is able to access a history of the movement of the objects.
 39. Amethod of determining the position of objects comprising: placing one ormore objects having one or more sensor tags on one or more structures,wherein the one or more structures comprise one or more sensors;checking only a selected subset of the sensors for a plurality ofconsecutive checking cycles such that all the sensors of the selectedsubset are checked multiple times without checking any of the sensorsnot in the subset, wherein each checking cycle of the checking cycles isperformed by reading data stored on the sensor tags with the subset ofthe sensors when the objects are moved proximate to at least one of thesubset of the sensors, wherein the subset is selected based on userinput; and transmitting the data stored on the sensory tags to one ormore controllers coupled to the sensors such that the controllers areable to determine the location of the objects.
 40. The method of claim39 wherein the structures comprise one or more of the group consistingof a table, a desk, a bench, a drawer, a chair, a shelf, a countertop afloor, a ceiling and a wall.
 41. The method of claim 40 wherein thesensors are RFID sensors and the sensor tags are RFID sensor tags. 42.The method of claim 41 wherein the sensors are positioned in a gridformation.
 43. The method of claim 42 wherein the sensors are embeddedwithin the structures.
 44. The method of claim 43 wherein the sensorsare positioned such that the sensors are a part of a portion of thestructure that is substantially parallel to the ground.
 45. The methodof claim 43 wherein the sensors are positioned such that the sensors area part of a portion of the structure that is substantially perpendicularto the ground.
 46. The method of claim 42 wherein the sensors arepositioned on a surface of the structures.
 47. The method of claim 46further comprising releasably coupling the sensors to the structure. 48.The method of claim 44 wherein each structure comprises at least one ofthe controllers.
 49. The method of claim 44 wherein a plurality of thestructures share at least one of the controllers such that the sharedcontroller receives signals from the sensors on the plurality of thestructures.
 50. The method of claim 49 wherein the user interface iscoupled to one or more of the controllers.
 51. The method of claim 50wherein the user interface comprises a search module for searching for atarget object of the objects and displaying the determined position ofthe target object to the user.
 52. The method of claim 51 wherein theuser interface comprise a warning module that warns the user if one ofthe objects is detected in an undesired location.
 53. The method ofclaim 52 wherein the warning module warns the user if one of the objectsis detected in a location proximate to another one of the objects. 54.The method of claim 53 wherein the warning module warns the user if oneof the objects is no longer detected at a location.
 55. The method ofclaim 54 wherein the data of the sensor tags comprises a uniqueidentifier that is used by the controller to identify which of theobjects a sensor is sensing.
 56. The method of claim 55 wherein the userinterface is incorporated into one or more of the controllers.
 57. Themethod of claim 39 wherein the controller comprises a storage modulethat stores the determined locations of one or more of the objects in amemory device coupled with the controller.
 58. The method of claim 39.wherein the determined locations are stored as entries in a database,wherein each of the entries comprise one of the determined locations,the unique identifier of the object detected at the one of thedetermined locations, and a time at which the object was detected at theone of the determined locations such that a user is able to access ahistory of the movement of the objects.